UPS reduces greenhouse gas emissions

UPS published its 2012 Corporate Sustainability report on July 25th, announcing a reduction of total greenhouse gas emissions for the year, in spite of an overall increase in parcel volumes. The company pointed to its investments in alternative fuel vehicles, retooled routes and air fuel savings as reasons for this success. 

UPS Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle

Highlights from the year included: a 2.1% year-on-year reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions from operations and purchased energy, $2.6 million charitable donations and humanitarian relief efforts in 35 countries, and a Global Forestry Initiative which aims to have planted over 1 million trees by the end of the year.

As well as promoting details of UPS' recent performance UPS Chief Operating Officer David Abney reported that the company has also set a new alternative fuel goal: "By 2017, the company will reach one billion miles driven by alternative fuel/ advanced technology vehicles - more than double the previous 400 million goal," he said. 

The in-depth nature of the report is testimony to how corporate social responsibility has taken on a massive significance in recent years. UPS' main competitors, FedEx and DHL, similarly produce reports charting their environmental and social performance, so much so that many commentators assert that social responsibility indicators will  be treated as important as economic performance when assessing a company's viability.