DHL has launched an Asia-Pacific service allowing clients to offset the carbon emissions generated by transporting their shipments.Customers who want to use the company’s new DHL Gogreen Express service are asked to pay a 3 per cent “green premium” on top of the standard charges.

The company then calculates the carbon emissions generated as a result of transporting the parcel and offset these by reinvesting in environmentally friendly projects such as fuel vehicle technology,solar panels and reforestation.

DHL said customers can choose to send all or just a selection of their shipments under the carbon-off setting scheme which aims to help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

Switzerland-based Societe Generale de Surveillance, an independent certifying body, will verify the programme annually to ensure accountability and transparency, DHL said.