Press release
TNT Launches "Planet Me" Program to Cut CO2 Emissions Initiative will extend throughout operations and touch employees' lives
(Shanghai, September 13, 2007) As part of TNT's global strategy to cut CO2 emissions, TNT China officially launched the "Planet Me" program today in China, following closely the program's global launch at the end of August. Through Planet Me, TNT plans to improve emissions monitoring and the transparency of its carbon footprint, drastically reduce CO2 emissions from its operations, and inspire its 159,000 employees to do the same in their private lives.
The transport industry produces 18% of CO2 emissions globally (source: World Resources Institute), and in Europe, that percentage is even higher. TNT chief executive officer Peter Bakker said, "As a leader in our industry, we feel a responsibility to pursue this issue aggressively. Together, and with our employees' participation, we have the ambition to become the world's first zero-emissions express and mail company. We are confident that our company and staff can help to solve the serious problem of climate change."
"There is a strong business case for ‘Planet Me,'" Bakker continued. "Customers, governments, our employees, and even the general public are watching how companies respond to global warming. For TNT, the challenge of reducing CO2 emissions is tremendous. Low-carbon technologies for transport are just not available or are too costly to implement. Despite these challenges, ‘Planet Me' is the start of our quest."
Planet Me comprises of three parts: "Count Carbon," "Code Orange," and "Choose Orange," all aimed at the goal of lowering CO2 emissions.
"Count Carbon": Counting carbon emissions as well as financials. TNT is installing a certified system to measure, report, and manage its CO2 emissions. Carbon emissions figures will be recorded and reported just like financials.
"Orange Code": TNT is implementing CO2 reduction initiatives in its eight most important operational areas: aviation, buildings, business travel, company cars, partnering with customers, operational fleet, procurement, and investments. To reduce CO2 emissions, TNT is optimizing the group's operations, working together with the aeronautics and vehicle industries, and cooperating with its research and development department.
"Choose Orange": TNT has calculated that the families of its 159,000 employees together produce about 1.3 million tons of CO2 every year. This amount could be reduced by 50% if they all follow easy tips to reduce their personal carbon footprints. TNT plans to make calls to its employees to motivate them to implement these tips.
Managing Director of TNT Greater China Michael Drake stated, "As a fast-growing global company, TNT's strategy to cut CO2 emissions plays an essential role in our operation and expansion. This strategy is an important part of TNT's sustainable development. In China, we will fully participate in every step of ‘Planet Me.' At the same time, as TNT Global, we call on our 15,000 employees in China to extend this initiative into their personal lives."
– ENDS –
Copyright © 2007 TNT China