Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Industrial, Solar - June 29, 2017
UPS sets greenhouse gas reduction targets
UPS, one of the world’s largest fleet operators, has revised its sustainability commitments to include a specific greenhouse gas emissions target alongside efforts to increase its use of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources.
In its 2016 sustainability report, the worldwide delivery service details its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations 12% and obtaining 25% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2025. Additionally, UPS expects one in every four new delivery vehicles purchased annually will be an alternative fuel vehicle by 2020.
The Atlanta-based company also committed to a 2025 goal of alternative fuel accounting for 40% of total ground fuel used. In March, UPS joined Wal-Mart Stores Inc., PepsiCo Inc. and others in accelerating 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.
According to UPS’s sustainability report, the company achieved a 1.7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2016.
Also in 2016, UPS completed the deployment of its signature route optimization software called ORION, which has reduced carbon emissions by 210,000 metric tons since 2013.
According to its June 27 news release, UPS has invested more than $750 million in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and operates 8,300 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles worldwide. These vehicles include electric, hybrid electric, hydraulic hybrid, compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane and lightweight fuel-saving composite body vehicles.
“Because of our size and scale, we know our commitments can shape markets, advance technologies and be a catalyst for infrastructure investments,” David Abney, UPS Chairman and CEO, said in a statement. “We rely on the ingenuity of our employees, suppliers and technology partners to help us reach goals that will transform the shipping industry and spur innovation.”
Other vehicle innovations to improve the company’s energy use include its recent purchase of 14 new Boeing 747-8 freighter jets, created with new technology focusing on fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. As a part of its commitment to lowering carbon emissions from their airline fleet, UPS implemented fuel management software that provides enhanced analytics and visibility of fuel consumption.
Earlier in 2017, UPS announced plans to ramp up its investment in solar energy, to the tune of $18 million, as it becomes an owner/operator of solar assets, beginning with onsite installations at least eight of its U.S. facilities.
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