Charting a Greener Course: DHL’s Decarbonization Assessment for South African Businesses

That’s why DHL has introduced the Logistics Decarbonization Assessment, a practical tool for South African businesses looking to cut carbon, comply with tightening regulations, and stay competitive in a changing world.

What Exactly is the Logistics Decarbonization Assessment?

Think of DHL’s Logistics Decarbonization Assessment as a quick, insightful check-up for your supply chain’s carbon footprint. In just ten questions, tailored for South African businesses, you’ll get a personalised report showing your air and ocean freight emissions. It’s simple, fast, and built for busy teams who need the facts—now.

But this isn’t just a box-ticking exercise. The assessment breaks down your emissions into three categories:

• Scope 1: Direct emissions from your own fleet—those trucks rolling across the N1, the bakkies delivering to Joburg and beyond.

• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from energy use—think the electricity powering your warehouses and distribution centres.

• Scope 3: All the other indirect emissions in your supply chain, with transport front and centre. For many companies, Scope 3 is where the real impact (and opportunity) lies.

By mapping your emissions across these scopes, you get a clear baseline. That’s the starting point for setting solid, measurable targets—and for proving your progress as new South African regulations demand greater transparency on CO₂ reporting.

Why Decarbonisation is a Game-Changer for South African Business

Cutting your logistics emissions isn’t just about compliance. It’s about opportunity—real, bottom-line results that matter in the South African context.

A clear carbon reduction strategy sets your business apart as a true champion of the local environment.

• Get Ahead of the Curve on Regulations
  Greenhouse gas reporting requirements are getting stricter. Early adopters won’t just stay compliant—they’ll have the data and targets in place before the scramble starts.

• Unlock Savings Through Efficiency
  Decarbonisation means smarter routes, less waste, and leaner operations. Often, the assessment uncovers easy wins—ways to cut costs and emissions at the same time.

• Benchmark Against the Best
  With logistics accounting for a hefty share of global CO₂, knowing how you stack up against local and international peers helps you set meaningful, realistic goals.

How the Assessment Works: Simple Steps, Real Impact

Step 1: Take the Quick Survey
Hit “Let’s begin” on the assessment page and answer ten focused questions about your logistics operations. It’s quick—done in five minutes, tops.

Step 2: Get Your Personalised Report
Within hours, you’ll receive a clear PDF outlining your current decarbonisation status in air and ocean freight, plus tailored best practices from industry leaders.

Step 3: Set Your Targets
Armed with your baseline, you can set hard numbers—like cutting Scope 3 emissions by 30% over the next two years—and measure progress over time.

Step 4: Start Making Changes
Your report will highlight next steps, such as:

• Using AI-driven packaging tools like OptiCarton to reduce waste

• Funding Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) through GoGreen Plus

• Electrifying last-mile delivery with EVs or hydrogen-powered vehicles

• Strengthening reverse logistics to recycle and refurbish products

Step 5: Tap into DHL’s Local Expertise
Our Shipping Experts are here to help you refine strategies, access subsidies, and connect with funding for greener technologies—so you can make meaningful changes, faster.

When you open a DHL business account, you unlock more than just preferential rates and fast, reliable shipping.

 You get:

• Rates calibrated to your eco-initiatives

• A logistics partner committed to environmental responsibility—without compromise

• Customs and compliance support to keep ahead of changing rules

• Personalised advice to keep cutting both emissions and costs

Join the growing community of South African businesses leading the shift to net-zero logistics. Open a DHL business account today, and let’s move towards a cleaner, more competitive future—together.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

DHL’s Logistics Decarbonization Assessment isn’t just another survey—it’s your roadmap for measuring, managing, and mastering your logistics footprint. In just minutes, you’ll have the insight you need to save costs, build your brand, and lead in sustainability. The time to act is now, South Africa—let’s make every shipment count.