At COP29, significant initiatives and discussions in the logistics, freight forwarding, and transport sectors highlighted the urgency of decarbonisation and the transition toward sustainable operations.
Denholm Good Logistics keeps abreast of key developments each year at COP to ensure we remain innovative and meet the evolving sustainability needs and expectations of our customers, colleagues, and communities.
Below are key outcomes and announcements from the conference, pertaining to the transport and logistics sector.
- Focus on Decarbonising Freight Transport
The International Energy Agency (IEA), International Transport Forum (ITF), and partners held sessions on building climate-resilient multimodal supply chains. Discussions emphasised integrating renewable energy into transport networks and scaling up low-carbon logistics through collaborative financing and policy innovation .
What are we doing? From transitioning our warehousing forklift fleet to cleaner energy to offering an employee electric car program, we recognise our responsibility to move toward sustainable energy solutions. These efforts are part of our broader commitment to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future.
- Maritime Sector Advances
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) showcased progress on its Net-Zero Framework, which includes implementing mid-term measures such as global pricing mechanisms for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and marine fuel standards. These measures aim to support the global shipping sector in achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 .
A notable side event, co-organised with the UNECE and ICAO, explored strategies for decarbonising aviation, maritime, and land transport sectors, reflecting the interconnected nature of global freight networks .
What are we doing? Our sea freight services provide reliable, secure, and environmentally friendly transportation, connecting businesses and consumers globally. With around 80% of global goods moved by sea, it remains the most sustainable and efficient methods of transport. Leveraging Denholm Good Logistics’ rich shipping heritage and strong overseas network, we secure capacity, negotiate competitive rates, and adapt quickly to changing ocean freight volumes. We are committed to delivering comprehensive, dependable sea freight solutions with a focus on efficiency and environmental responsibility. This year for one customer alone, DGL have achieved a massive 76% reduction in carbon emissions by transitioning their reliance on road freight with a move to sea freight solutions. This massive reduction and customer collaboration, resulted in DGL being finalists for two industry awards for Ocean Services this year.
- Innovative Solutions for Logistics and Distribution
Private sector participation featured prominently. Companies shared best practices on using digital technologies and data analytics to enhance supply chain efficiency while reducing emissions.
Financing mechanisms for infrastructure upgrades and the adoption of low-emission vehicles in freight distribution were highlighted as critical enablers for sector-wide transformation.
What are we doing? Our Carbon Emissions Tracking and Reporting tool, developed with Climate Partner and Ecotransit, automatically calculates CO2 emissions for each shipment and supports global climate action projects. It provides certificates for carbon offsets achieved and a unique URL to share your offsetting achievements with customers and stakeholders. Tracking emissions is key to sustainable growth, impacting environmental responsibility, reputation, compliance, and competitiveness. Proactive carbon management aligns companies with consumer expectations and showcases corporate responsibility.
- Commitments to Multimodal Integration
Governments and private entities announced initiatives to enhance the interoperability of various transport modes (rail, road, sea, and air), aiming for seamless, low-carbon supply chains. This includes improving infrastructure for electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell systems .
- Global Collaboration
Partnerships between sectors, including energy and transport, were emphasised to align strategies for achieving climate goals. Cargo owners and financiers were urged to collaborate with logistics providers to fund green initiatives .
COP29 reinforced the critical role of logistics and transport in meeting global climate goals and provided a platform to share innovative solutions and foster collaboration across industries.
What are we doing? We actively share and learn sustainability best practices through global collaborations. By engaging with our international colleagues, customers, trusted agents, and attending global industry events. We exchange innovative ideas and strategies to drive greener supply chain solutions. This year, we partnered with RSM’s Head of Sustainability to host a sustainability webinar, collaborating with industry experts from other sectors allow us to share insights and actionable steps with a wide audience. This approach ensures we stay at the forefront of sustainable logistics, benefiting ourselves and our customers.
Definitions:
Decarbonisation: process of reducing or eliminating carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, typically from activities like energy production, transportation, and industry, to help combat climate change.
Sustainability: the practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own, by balancing environmental, social, and economic factors.
Authored by Head of Sustainability
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