DB Schenker and Microsoft Tackle Scope 3 Emissions Together

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DB Schenker and Microsoft tackle Scope 3 emissions
DB Schenker & Microsoft join forces to cut Scope 3 emissions using sustainable fuels and eco-friendly warehouses, setting new standards in green logistics

Global logistics leader DB Schenker and Microsoft Cloud Logistics have partnered to address Scope 3 emissions in supply chains by leveraging sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable marine fuel (SMF). The collaboration aims to reduce the environmental impact of air and sea freight operations, contributing to both companies' sustainability goals.

Strategic emissions reductions

At the heart of the initiative, DB Schenker will procure SAF and SMF to support Microsoft Cloud Logistics' inbound air and ocean shipments. The target is ambitious: a reduction of at least 15,000 tonnes of CO2e annually.

The milestone highlights the potential for immediate and impactful CO2e savings in intercontinental logistics.

Jochen Thewes, CEO, DB Schenker

Jochen Thewes, CEO of DB Schenker, remarked: "Microsoft and DB Schenker are two global leaders united to reduce emissions in transportation and logistics. Our cooperation is expected to demonstrate that significant CO2e-savings are feasible already in today's intercontinental supply chains."

Adopting sustainable fuel solutions

Beyond SAF and SMF, DB Schenker is innovating across transport modes:

  • Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO): Introduced for ocean shipments between California and Texas.
  • Land transport expansion: Deployment of HVO100 fueling stations and electric vehicles across Europe and North America to extend sustainability efforts to road transport.

These steps are part of a larger strategy to embed eco-friendly solutions across the supply chain.

Innovative, eco-friendly warehousing

The partnership also emphasises sustainability in logistics infrastructure, with a focus on advanced warehousing solutions that minimise environmental impact:

  • Netherlands Warehouse: It was upgraded to BREEAM Certificate Level "Excellent," showcasing its reduced carbon footprint and commitment to green building practices.

"The upgrade of the Netherlands warehouse to BREEAM Excellent status and the Illinois, United States SuperHub receiving the LEED Platinum Certification are prime examples of our dedication to paving the way for more sustainable and innovative logistics solutions."

Jochen Thewes, CEO of DB Schenker
  • Illinois Facility: Achieved LEED Platinum certification, highlighting exceptional energy efficiency and environmental standards.
Cliff Henson, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Cloud Supply Chain, Microsoft

Cliff Henson, CVP of Microsoft Cloud Supply Chain, highlighted the importance of the collaboration: "Microsoft Cloud Logistics is committed to leading the way in sustainable logistics.

"Our collaboration with DB Schenker has enabled the development of cutting-edge sustainable warehouses and innovative fuel strategies across all freight modes.

"These efforts exemplify our dedication to setting industry standards in the logistics environmental sustainability arena and mark a significant step forward in reducing our environmental impacts in line with Microsoft's 2030 sustainability commitments."

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Setting new standards for global logistics

The partnership between DB Schenker and Microsoft Cloud Logistics is a model for how organisations can collaborate effectively to tackle Scope 3 emissions.

By combining sustainable fuel adoption, advanced warehousing solutions, and innovation leadership, the collaboration sets a high bar for environmental responsibility in supply chains.

This effort aligns with Microsoft's 2030 sustainability goals and showcases the feasibility of reducing emissions in global logistics. It's a testament to the transformative power of partnerships in addressing today's climate challenges.


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