Cutting carbon, not corners: The journey of GoGreen Plus

Transport accounts for more than a third of CO₂ emissions from end-use sectors, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). After a temporary dip during the COVID-19 pandemic, transport emissions are on the rise again. To stay on course for net-zero emissions by 2050, the IEA says CO₂ output from transport must fall by more than 3% per year through 2030.

Where there’s a will, there’s a way – and businesses across all sectors have made sustainability a top priority. According to a recent DHL survey, two-thirds of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) say that sustainability is crucial to their long-term value and credibility, and that they are under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint.

But decarbonizing transport is complex. Logistics has a lot of moving parts, many of which are beyond the control of most companies. And every sector – every business, for that matter – has its own unique requirements. Companies need solutions that are not only effective but also transparent, scalable, and tailored to their specific business needs.

To help businesses take climate action where it counts, we launched GoGreen Plus – a growing portfolio of sustainable logistics services designed to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across our customers’ supply chains. Rather than relying on offsetting, GoGreen Plus focuses on true value chain decarbonization, using sustainable fuels and technologies to reduce actual emissions within the logistics value chain.

How does it work?

GoGreen Plus uses a straightforward “book and claim” approach. When you opt in, we replace fossil fuels with low- or zero-emission alternatives across our logistics network. We book the sustainable fuel. You claim the reduced emissions – even if your shipments are not physically transported by a vehicle using those fuels. This is called carbon insetting. Rather than offsetting (e.g., investing in renewable energy like wind farms), we use sustainable fuel (either directly or via partners), reducing the overall emissions of our services and the transport sector as a whole.  From long-distance air, ocean, and road freight to local, last-mile deliveries, GoGreen Plus is designed to decarbonize logistics across all modes of transportation. 

What are the options?

Flexibility plays an important role in our approach. We don’t rely on a single solution; instead, we reduce GHG emissions using a variety of technologies, including HVO, bio-LNG, and battery-electric vehicles for overland transport, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for air freight and express deliveries, and sustainable marine fuel (SMF) for transcontinental ocean freight. And let’s not forget facilities like hubs and warehouses, where solar panels, efficient lighting, automation, and even sustainable landscaping can further reduce the carbon footprint of supply chains.

How do you measure success?

With our own GHG emissions reduction targets aligned with the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – and SBTi monitoring our progress – measurability is a top priority. That’s why robust reporting standards are built into GoGreen Plus. Emissions reductions are calculated at regular intervals, verified by independent auditors, and documented in externally verified certificates for transparency and reporting. 

Since we launched GoGreen Plus, the response has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’ve continually expanded our sustainable logistics solutions ever since. As demand has grown, we have proactively worked to increase our use of sustainable fuels. For example, we have formed numerous partnerships to drive up the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Although availability remains frustratingly low, 3.5% of the fuel consumed by our air fleet is SAF, making us a frontrunner in the aviation industry.

But that’s just part of the story. Our international services support the shipping, logistics, and supply chain needs of companies across all sectors – and GoGreen Plus is available to all of them. For example, our international air and ocean freight experts can deliver a lifecycle reduction of up to 85% in GHG emissions across global trade lanes. If you’re in Europe and looking to reduce road freight emissions, you can even choose your preferred level of GHG reduction – Base, Smart, and Premium – depending on your goals. Online retailers can achieve up to 90% Scope 3 emissions savings, depending on their location. In Germany, we can offer over 80% CO₂e-free parcel deliveries in some cities. And if we manage your supply chain, you have access to a variety of options to minimize the carbon footprint of your logistics.

Check out our sustainable product portfolio to learn more.

• The demand is real: People expect emissions-reduced logistics.
• Partnerships are key: The supply of SAF remains limited, but our progress shows the power of working with the right partners.
• Anything’s possible: With the right technologies and partners, we can decarbonize logistics – even at scale.
• One size doesn’t fit all: Sustainability solutions must be flexible and adapt to each business model.
• Transparency builds trust: Verified data and credible reporting are essential to make decarbonization efforts measurable and meaningful.
• Small steps, big difference: Individual actions matter – and together, they add up to global impact.

GoGreen Plus is more than a product – it’s a pathway to emissions-reduced logistics, with the potential to attract environmentally conscious customers and drive growth. Whether you're shipping parcels locally or freight globally, we can help you take measurable action and lead your industry toward a more sustainable future.

At DHL, we’re excited about the journey ahead. Join us and let’s build greener supply chains together.