Kuehne+Nagel launches Net Zero carbon programme for next ten years

June 22, 2020: The Kuehne+Nagel Group has published its Sustainability Report 2019. The company sets out its performance in the areas of environment, social and governance (ESG). With Net Zero Carbon, Kuehne+Nagel has launched a sustainability programme for the next ten years. By the end of 2020, the company's own CO2 emissions (Scopes 1 and 2 of the greenhouse gas protocol) will be neutral; by 2030, this will be extended to all transport by suppliers such as airlines, shipping lines and haulage companies (Scope 3). Net Zero Carbon leverages three fields of action: detection, reduction and compensation of CO2.

The report follows the structure of the Global Reporting Initiative as well as the 17 goals for sustainable development of the United Nations.

Detlef Trefzger, CEO of Kuehne+Nagel International AG said, "Sustainability is a social responsibility and is the duty of every individual. Following the successful completion of our environmental goals set ten years ago, we are now starting the next phase of our sustainability strategy. With our Net Zero Carbon programme, we are taking responsibility for sustainable logistics, hand in hand with our customers and partners.”

This report covers Kuehne+Nagel’s global operations including activities occurring at all of its facilities, owned and leased, over which we have operational control unless otherwise noted. The scope of health and safety reporting includes facilities and operations over which Kuehne+Nagel has management control, including warehouses and offices.

It also addresses Kuehne+Nagel’s sustainability activities and performance for the 2019 calendar year. During the reporting period, the Group acquired the business of: Rotra, Netherlands, Jöbstl, Austria, Worldwide Perishables, Canada and Sincero, China.

Throughout the report, some historic data and information have been included to provide context and to illustrate performance trends. The GRI Index at the end of this report makes reference to the GRI Core standards fulfilled by Kuehne+Nagel.

The KN Green environmental programme initiated in 2010 was completed at the end of last year. All targets were reached or exceeded. Over the last ten years, Kuehne+Nagel was able to reduce the CO2 emissions of its own locations by an impressive 27 percent. The share of renewable energies in total electricity consumption was 18 percent and the recycling rate over the ten-year average was 77 percent. By the end of 2019, the area equipped with LED lighting technology corresponded to around 3.8 million square metres.

Kuehne+Nagel is a member of the SXI Switzerland Sustainability 25, the most important sustainability index in Switzerland. In addition, the company was awarded the prestigious EcoVadis Gold status.