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Scope 3 emissions encompass all indirect upstream and downstream emissions across an organization's value chain.
According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which provides standards and guidance for greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting, Scope 3 emissions are often the most significant contributor to a company’s overall emissions profile1. Depending on the source, Scope 3 emissions are estimated to make up between 75%2 to over 90%3 of an organization’s total carbon footprint.
For businesses aiming to build a truly sustainable supply chain, it’s crucial to understand what Scope 3 emissions are. However, these emissions are particularly complex in the logistics industry due to the involvement of diverse activities, from supplier operations to customer deliveries. This also makes the challenges of addressing them multifaceted, especially within intricate supply chains that span multiple stakeholders and geographies.
In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, the focus on Scope 3 emissions has intensified due to rapid economic growth and increasing environmental awareness.
As businesses in Vietnam and across APAC expand their operations, understanding and mitigating their Scope 3 emissions within Vietnam and across the broader region becomes paramount in keeping up with consumer expectations and national decarbonization standards. For instance, Vietnam has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 as outlined in its National Strategy for Climate Change4.
The APAC logistics sector faces unique challenges in tackling Scope 3 emissions. These challenges include:
All of these factors contribute to the complexity of reducing Scope 3 carbon emissions and necessitate a comprehensive and collaborative approach to sustainable decarbonization practices.
DHL Express is committed to leading the way in sustainable logistics by implementing a multi-pronged approach to Scope 3 emission reduction in APAC. This approach encompasses:
The DHL GoGreen Plus program is a key solution for helping customers reduce their Scope 3 carbon emissions. It's designed to provide a tangible and verifiable method for customers to mitigate the environmental impact of their shipments.
At its core, DHL GoGreen Plus facilitates the reduction of a shipment’s carbon footprint through two primary mechanisms: the utilization of SAF and investments in certified carbon reduction projects. By opting for GoGreen Plus, customers directly support the transition to SAF and cleaner aviation fuels, addressing a significant portion of their Scope 3 emissions in logistics related to air freight.
Furthermore, the program invests in high-quality carbon reduction projects which have been meticulously verified by independent organizations. These projects often focus on renewable energy development, forest conservation, or community-based initiatives that sequester or avoid carbon emissions.
By choosing GoGreen Plus, businesses unlock a range of strategic advantages:
The success of DHL GoGreen Plus is evidenced by the growing number of businesses embracing the program. Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ACB) became the first bank in Vietnam to sign up for DHL GoGreen Plus, and they managed to reduce 14 tons of CO2 emissions within a 12-month period. Additionally, over 40,000 companies in APAC, including in Vietnam, have adopted DHL GoGreen Plus. This demonstrates the growing demand for sustainable logistics solutions in the region.
DHL Express is committed to driving the transition to sustainable logistics in Vietnam and across APAC. This commitment is reflected in ongoing investments in new technologies, partnerships, and continuous improvement initiatives.
By prioritizing sustainable supply chain practices and offering innovative solutions like GoGreen Plus, DHL Express aims to help businesses reduce their Scope 3 emissions, lessen their environmental impact, and contribute to a greener future.
Sign up for a DHL Express business account now and start using GoGreen Plus to take immediate action on your Scope 3 emissions and prioritize sustainability in your international shipping practices.
1 Greenhouse Gas Protocol (2022)
2 World Resources Institute (2022)
4 United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (2022)
5 International Energy Agency (2023)
6 International Air Transport Association (2024)
7 Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2024)