Taking action through research and development
Taking action through research and development
Sustainability: Past progress, future focus
Sustainability and environmental stewardship have always been priorities for us. And we’ve come a long way.
Between our fiscal years 2009 and 2022 (FY09 - FY22), our average daily package volume grew by 142%. Even with that incredible growth, we reduced the intensity of our CO2 emissions by nearly 49% on a revenue basis during that same time.
Now our goal is to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2040. Here’s how we’re teaming up with industry leaders.
Between our fiscal years 2009 and 2022 (FY09 - FY22), our average daily package volume grew by 142%. Even with that incredible growth, we reduced the intensity of our CO2 emissions by nearly 49% on a revenue basis during that same time.
Now our goal is to achieve carbon neutral operations by 2040. Here’s how we’re teaming up with industry leaders.
*on a revenue basis
Helping establish the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture
As part of our $2 billion investment toward carbon neutral operations, we’ve pledged $100 million to Yale University to help establish the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture. There, researchers will focus on offsetting greenhouse gas emissions by removing and storing Earth’s excess carbon. They will explore a combination of short- and long-term approaches, working with other experts in the natural sciences and engineering fields. Ultimately, the goal is to create a portfolio of carbon removal strategies that will impact global emissions across the aviation sector.
See how the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture fits into our plan for carbon neutrality by 2040.
“Addressing climate change is a complex challenge that demands urgent action, and natural carbon capture strategies will be one key part of that action.”
Dr. Ingrid C. “Indy” Burke
Carl W. Knobloch, Jr. Dean
Yale University School of the Environment
Teaming up with BrightDrop to offer electric vehicle systems
BrightDrop, the newest business in the General Motors family, offers electric delivery systems, including motorized pallets and vans. They enable emissions-free deliveries while reducing package touch points and physical strain on delivery drivers.
In a pilot program, FedEx Express couriers were able to handle 25% more packages per day with the BrightDrop system. They also reported easy maneuverability and reduced physical strain.
“With this new suite of [BrightDrop] products, we will help improve the safety, security, and timeliness of FedEx Express deliveries, while reducing our environmental impact and protecting the well-being of our couriers.”
Richard Smith
FedEx Express Regional President of the Americas
Charitable collaboration aims to get European citizens onto cargo bikes
Cargo bicycles have been identified as a mode of sustainable transport with untapped potential. In many European cities, they present a realistic alternative to private vehicles for short, daily journeys.
We’re working with the Global Alliance of NGOs for Road Safety and the European Cycling Federation on a project aiming to promote bicycle use as a safe and sustainable alternative to a car.
Now entering its third year, the collaboration will see small fleets of cargo bikes rolled out for public use in Poznan (Poland), Valencia (Spain) and the region of Puglia (Italy) later this year. Through opportunities like these, we’re helping shape public behaviours and empowering citizens to make sustainable choices.
See how collaborations with non-profit organizations are delivering sustainable mobility in Europe
Collaboration with Dutch NGO paves the way for more sustainable transport sector in Europe
Alongside our own journey to meet our goal of carbon neutral operations by 2040, we’re forming relationships to accelerate sustainable solutions for our industry. Together with environmental charity Natuur & Milieu (Nature & Environment), we’ve developed three projects that aim to recognize sustainable solutions and reduce the carbon footprint of logistics across road, facilities, and aviation.
We’re aiming to help small to medium fleet operators electrify their operations, promoting the use of renewable energy and charging infrastructure in distribution centres, and finally, supporting the uptake of synthetic aviation fuel in Europe.
See how we’re applying our Reduce, Replace, Revolutionize approach to external programs in Europe
