Panalpina commits to shrinking carbon footprint

Panalpina has pledge to make a 20 percent reduction in its emissions by 2025, based on 2013 levels, joining 31 other companies that have committed to meet reduction targets approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTI).

The Swiss forwarder the targets will apply to “direct emissions from owned or controlled sources,” known as “Scope 1,” as well as “indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy,” known as “Scope 2” under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Panalpina has also pledged to cut its business travel related emissions by 15 percent over the same period.

“Panalpina now has a clearly defined budget for greenhouse gas emissions for the years 2013 to 2025,” said Panalpina CEO Stefan Karlen. “It was calculated independently and based on science. I am proud to say that we have successfully stayed within this budget so far and it is our firm intention to continue to do so.”

The targets were calculated using the Sectoral Decarbonization Approach, a methodology approved by SBTI that allows emissions reductions without stymying growth.

Panalpina’s reduction targets are also in line with what the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says is necessary to “keep global warming below a dangerous threshold.” The same panel has warned that global greenhouse gas emissions must be cut by up to 70 percent by 2050 to limit global warming to 2°C and avert irreversible climate change.

“Of course, our efforts will continue beyond 2025. We are in this for the long run,” Karlen said. “For now, our organization knows what its homework is and we will report on our progress every year.”