GHG Emissions, Industrial  -  May 11, 2017

PepsiCo, UPS, Wal-Mart among large fleet operators signing on to new 'Sustainable Fuel Buyers Principles'

Six large corporations including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., UPS and PepsiCo Inc. have accelerated their commitment to transitioning to low carbon fuel and related technologies in signing on to the new Sustainable Fuel Buyers Principles organized by global nonprofit BSR. 

The six initial signatories to the principles also include HP Inc. and IKEA Group and represent several of the world's largest road fleets and freight buyers. The principals, according to a recent announcement from the BSR, seek to demonstrate demand and catalyze the partnerships needed to drive a sustainable transition in the freight fuel system.

The principles were created by the members of BSR's Future of Fuels program and vetted through the nonprofit's network of 600 expert and industry stakeholders, according to a May 1 blog post, and are intended to achieve three main goals: build the market for low-carbon fuels, ensure progress toward a sustainable set of fuel options, and create opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

“As the first retailer with a verified science-based targets emissions reduction plan, Walmart understands the importance of incorporating the utility of more sustainable, low carbon fuels in our fleet operations," Elizabeth Fretheim, senior director for logistics sustainability at Walmart said in a statement. "The Sustainable Fuel Buyers' Principles is a noteworthy initiative that sends a demand signal for cleaner fuel innovations and provides a forum for like-minded companies to collaborate on our sustainability goals."

Mike Whitlatch, vice president for global energy and procurement at UPS, said the principles provide a great way to build demand with other leading buyers looking for low-carbon fuels and to promote partnerships with its own suppliers that ensure its success.  

"UPS understands the importance of using alternative fuels and has invested more than $750 million in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations globally since 2009," Whitlatch said. 

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