Why is CO2 a problem in freight?
Transportation is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emissions. Trucks alone account for an estimated 346 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) each year, contributing to global warming. The chart below demonstrates a few everyday scenarios and the emissions created.
|
Mode
|
Weight
|
Distance
|
Metric Tons CO2
Emitted During
Transport
|
% offset by EA
|
| Domestic Freight: (NewYork City to Los Angeles) |
| Airfreight |
2,000 lbs. |
2,779 mi. |
2.67 |
100% |
| LTL |
2,000 lbs. |
2,779 mi. |
.42 |
100% |
| Truckload |
30,000 lbs. |
2,779 mi. |
6.28 |
100% |
| International Freight: (Shanghai to Los Angeles) |
| Airfreight |
2,000 lbs. |
6,485 mi. |
6.02 |
100% |
| LCL |
2,000 lbs. |
5,810 mi. |
.35 |
100% |
| 40' Container |
30,000 lbs. |
5,810 mi. |
3.54 |
100% |
One metric ton = 2,200 lbs.
The idea behind a carbon offset is the concept of carbon neutrality. An offset is like a donation that is used to fund carbon-reducing projects like reforestation. Reforestation is important because trees absorb CO2 throughout their lifecycle. Our offsets are third-party verified Therefore, if we plant trees in protected forests that can absorb the CO2 we emit, in time we will "neutralize" the CO2 we are responsible for.
Freight is one area where technology does not yet exist to achieve zero emissions. And freight transport is a necessary and vital part of human activity.
It is only appropriate to use an offset when you have done all you can do to first reduce emissions. It is irresponsible to avoid the "reduce first" part of the concept and then just "buy off" the harm from CO2.
Look around. Green is everywhere in business. Businesses that respond quickly are experiencing a competitive advantage. After we purchase the offset, you or your client will receive a receipt verifying the offset purchase.
The Delivered GrEAn® Program:
- Helps you differentiate your business from your competition;
- Helps achieve CO2 reduction/mitigation targets for you or your clients
- Helps you win clients by aligning with their management's green initiatives;
- Demonstrates your company's responsiveness to client-driven trends
- Gives your client a potent reminder of your environmental responsibility each time you ship
Because this program can be transaction based, it gives you a powerful sales and marketing tool that reminds your customers of your environmental commitment every time you ship. Delivered GrEAn
TM can be customized to your unique needs — whether it be for a single client's use or incorporated into your shipping and sales programs.
Here are a few examples of ways Delivered GrEAn can be utilized:
- A marketer rolling out a series of point-of-purchase displays can support their company's internal CO2 reduction goals by having them Delivered GrEAnTM
- printer using recycled paper and soy ink can take their green commitment a step further by having shipments Delivered GrEAnTM.
- show service organizer, show management company or individual exhibitor can reduce their event footprint by having booths, accessories and materials Delivered GrEAnTM.
- A consumer products company working for a retailer that has established vendor sustainability criteria can now meet their client's expectations for green transportation.
For other creative ideas on how to incorporate Delivered GrEAn
® into your business operations, contact us at
deliveredgrEAn@ealogistics.com or call 1.800.863.5948
This is a simple opt-in program that is available any time EA Logistics handles your freight. Contact
DeliveredGrEAn@ealogistics.com or call
1.800.863.594 to discuss how this program can work for your business.
In addition to using emissions-reducing biodiesel in our company trucks, we work with our shippers to find ways to reduce freight trips. Whether it's shipping larger orders less frequently, using our global network of warehouses to position assets closer to end-users, or finding a lower emissions mode (truck instead of air, for example) for a given shipment. When you give us a snapshot of your shipping activity we'll find ways to shrink your carbon footprint and save money in the process.
The financial benefit of all of these CO2 reduction activities moves directly to your bottom line! It's usually less expensive than the "traditional" solutions. We will work with you to find creative ways to reduce miles travelled and reduce costs on a per pound basis.
