The globally operating logistics provider Dachser implements a sustainable development concept as part of its commitment to environmental protection. It focuses on a vehicle fleet with the latest engines, electric forklifts in warehouses, minimizing CO2 emissions, and efficient energy use.
For a logistics operator, where road transport accounts for a significant portion of operations, focusing on reducing CO2 emissions is particularly important. Dachser relies on the most environmentally friendly vehicles that meet Euro 5 standards. It optimizes the use of its vehicle fleet so that the average CO2 emission per individual shipment is as low as possible. Among other reasons, this is why Dachser uses swap bodies that allow for double-stacking, optimizing cargo space utilization. This reduces the number of vehicles used.
– Caring for the natural environment is our duty to future generations, which is why we have been implementing a sustainable development concept at Dachser for years. We also notice a trend of interest in ecology and the environment among our customers, who themselves carry out pro-ecological activities and appreciate the fact that we place such great importance on them – says Grzegorz Lichocik, President of Dachser in Poland. – Investments in pro-ecological solutions, although they often require additional financial outlays, can bring tangible benefits in the long term in the form of lower operating costs, in addition to a positive impact on the environment – he adds.
This is the case with the use of the latest vehicle fleet, which is cheaper to operate and easier to resell later. Another example is investing in the construction of an electronic communication system that minimizes costly phone calls and paper usage.
At Dachser, great importance is placed on the optimal use of the vehicle fleet. This is made possible by the Domino road transport management system, which allows routes to be planned to be as short as possible and avoid unnecessary downtime. In every branch, CO2 emissions from properties, total electricity consumption, water intake, and gasoline and diesel consumption are measured. Rainwater is collected and used for washing vehicles.
Ecological and energy-efficient construction and the recovery of waste heat from installations, which can be used to heat the building, are also important for the operator. To avoid uncontrolled cold air losses in food logistics halls, doors are sealed with inflatable seals. Lighting is controlled both outside and inside logistics facilities and in offices. Dachser focuses on paper savings – 90 percent of all communication takes place electronically. Optical archiving is used at all stages of the logistics process. In the branches, network terminals are used instead of traditional computers, thanks to which energy savings and CO2 emission reductions reach 90 percent.