Go green with DHL GoGreen Plus this Earth Hour

In this blog post, we'll explore DHL GoGreen Plus in more detail, discussing its benefits, and providing practical tips on how businesses and individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future this Earth Hour and beyond.

Earth Hour, observed annually on March 22nd since 2007, is a global movement that encourages individuals, businesses, and communities to switch off non-essential electric lights for one hour as a symbolic gesture of commitment to the planet. With the total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in 2024 having been projected to reach 41.6 billion tonnes¹, this event serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and adopt practices towards sustainability in our daily lives and operations.

The logistics industry, with its reliance on transportation and extensive supply chains, plays a significant role in global carbon emissions. According to CarbonCare, the transport and logistics sector contributes to roughly 24% of the global CO2 emissions². Recognizing this impact, DHL is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and developing sustainable logistics solutions to support a greener future.

One such solution is DHL GoGreen Plus, a service that empowers businesses in Australia to reduce their carbon emissions by utilizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This innovative program reduces the environmental impact of businesses’ supply chain logistics, while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the aviation industry.

What is DHL GoGreen Plus?

DHL GoGreen Plus is a service offered by DHL Express that enables businesses to achieve corporate sustainability and contribute to a better future by reducing their carbon footprint. It achieves this by using SAF, a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel, produced from sustainable sources such as waste biomass and recycled cooking oil. By opting for this initiative, businesses can reduce up to 30% of their shipment's carbon emissions, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility.

More specifically, GoGreen Plus focuses on carbon insetting, which means directly reducing emissions within the value chain, rather than carbon offsetting, which compensates for emissions elsewhere. This approach ensures a more impactful and measurable reduction of emissions associated with your shipments, making a tangible difference in your environmental performance.

How DHL GoGreen Plus works

GoGreen Plus is designed to be simple and seamless, integrating smoothly into DHL's existing shipping processes. Here's how it works:

1. Shipment booking: When booking a shipment through their MyDHL+ account, customers can simply select the GoGreen Plus option. This can be done by ticking the ‘GoGreen Plus' box under 'Optional Services’.
2. SAF allocation: When customers select the GoGreen Plus option, DHL ensures that the corresponding carbon reduction benefits are accurately accounted for through a book-and-claim system. This system allows for the environmental benefits of SAF to be tracked and transferred across the value chain, ensuring that the customer's contribution is directly linked to the use of SAF.
3. Transparency and reporting: DHL provides customers with a verified CO2e reduction certificate to track their progress and simplify sustainability reporting. This certificate provides quantifiable proof of the emissions reduced through the use of GoGreen Plus, enabling businesses to demonstrate their environmental commitment to stakeholders and incorporate the data into their sustainability reporting.
   

Earth Hour: Meaningful ways to spend the 60 minutes

While switching off the lights for Earth Hour is a symbolic gesture of support for the planet, it's also an opportunity to engage more actively with sustainability and connect with your community. Here are some ideas for making the most of this special hour:

• Candlelit dinner/games: Enjoy a screen-free evening with family or friends, lit by candlelight. Play board games, have meaningful conversations, or simply relax and enjoy each other's company.

• Stargazing: Take advantage of the reduced light pollution and appreciate the beauty of the night sky. Go out to stargaze and connect with nature! 

• Community events: Participate in local Earth Hour gatherings or initiatives. Many communities organize events such as candlelit walks, film screenings, or educational workshops to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Everyday habits for a greener planet

Beyond the symbolic importance of Earth Hour, there are numerous everyday habits we can adopt to contribute to a more sustainable future. Small changes in our daily routines can make a big difference for the planet, such as: 

• Mindful consumption: Be mindful of your consumption habits and strive to reduce waste. For example, choose reusable items over disposable ones, and make conscious purchasing decisions by opting for products with minimal packaging and a longer lifespan.

• Energy efficiency: Practice energy efficiency at home and work by turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging electronics when not in use, and using energy-efficient appliances. Additionally, consider switching to renewable energy sources if they’re available.

• Sustainable transport: Opt for sustainable transport options whenever possible. Walk, cycle, or use public transport instead of driving alone. If driving is necessary, consider carpooling with friends or choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle.

Stepping up your sustainability game

If you're ready to take your commitment to sustainability one step further, there are several other ways you can step up your game and make a more significant impact: 

• Eco-focused choices: Support businesses that have sustainable practices and choose eco-focused products. Look for certifications and labels that indicate environmentally responsible production and sourcing.

• Carbon footprint reduction: Calculate your personal carbon footprint and explore ways to reduce it. Consider using online calculators or tools to assess your impact and identify areas for improvement. For businesses, opting for initiatives like DHL GoGreen Plus can significantly reduce your carbon footprint associated with shipping and logistics.

• Advocacy and action: Get involved in local environmental initiatives or support organizations working towards sustainability. Volunteer your time, donate to a cause, or spread awareness about environmental issues to inspire others to take action.

Partner with DHL Express for a greener tomorrow

Earth Hour serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and adopt sustainable practices in our daily lives and business operations. It's a call for collective action to protect our planet and ensure a greener future for generations to come. DHL Express is committed to playing its part in this global effort by providing innovative solutions that help businesses in reducing their carbon emissions.

DHL GoGreen Plus is one of the key methods underlining this commitment, offering a simple and effective way for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint through the use of SAF. By choosing GoGreen Plus, businesses can make a tangible difference in the environmental impact of their international exports, while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for the aviation industry.

Ready to join DHL Express on its journey towards an eco-friendly tomorrow, and to contribute towards a more sustainable future for global logistics? Open a DHL Express business account today to get started!