DHL and Formula 1® are once again making strides in sustainability with their latest milestone: the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Starting in March of this year, with cargo movements to the Australian Grand Prix, Formula 1 has been working with DHL Global Forwarding’s GoGreen Plus service to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by around 80% per flight compared to conventional aviation fuel by utilizing SAF. This marks an exciting new chapter in DHL’s 20-year partnership with Formula 1, as it continues to help the sport in its mission to meet its Net Zero by 2030 commitment. Up to the Singapore Grand Prix, approximately 20% of subsequent Formula 1 cargo flights to races outside of Europe this year have been scheduled to use DHL’s GoGreen Plus service with SAF.
Paul Fowler, Head of DHL Motorsports Logistics, adds: “Our longstanding partnership with Formula 1 is built on a shared passion for innovation and excellence. We are committed to using our expertise to support Formula 1 in transporting cars and other equipment around the world in the most efficient way possible. With 40 years of expertise in motorsports logistics, we are focused on identifying ways to cut down greenhouse gas emissions and making motorsport more sustainable with every step we take.”
Series of sustainability initiatives by DHL and Formula 1
SAF is the latest chapter in the ongoing commitment from DHL and Formula 1 to deliver more sustainable logistics. With its broad logistics portfolio, DHL employs multimodal transportation such as air, sea and road freight, aiming at optimized route planning and efficiency. This season, for instance, DHL has more than doubled its fleet of biofuel-powered trucks to serve the European leg of the F1 season, now totaling 37 trucks. Each truck contributes to an average greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 83% compared to their diesel-driven counterparts. DHL also utilizes Boeing 777 aircrafts, whose fuel-efficient technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions by around 17% over legacy aircrafts. This is in addition to the work Formula 1 has done to rationalize the calendar and create a better flow of races, further develop the remote broadcast production operation, which reduces traveling equipment, and the adoption of regional hubs, which allows freight to travel shorter distances. DHL and Formula 1 continue to explore other innovative solutions to further reduce the sport’s greenhouse gas emissions.
”Formula 1 has always been at the forefront of innovation, and our early stage investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a testament to our dedication to deliver on our Net Zero by 2030 commitment”, Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1 said. “SAF is just the latest step for the business, and underscores how alternative fuels both on and off track can materially reduce carbon emissions. This delivery of our sustainability strategy is only made possible through coordinated actions across our sport.”
Aviation with lower greenhouse gas emissions
Produced from renewable sources, such as agricultural biomass and used cooking oil, SAF represents a significant step towards aviation with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The SAF for Formula 1 logistics is purchased and transferred through the value chain via the book and claim system. This system allows for the decoupling of specific environmental attributes from physical products, such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and transferring them to another party through a registry. Buyers and sellers can participate without direct involvement in the physical supply chain of the fuel. At purchase, buyers “book” a specified quantity of sustainable fuel and “claim” emissions reductions towards their sustainability objectives, acquiring environmental benefits without physically possessing the fuel. The book and claim system has the potential to significantly reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the transportation sector when implemented industry-wide.
Verification from the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC)
DHL’s provision of SAF in support of Formula 1 air cargo logistics is backed by verification from the International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC). This certification acts as a seal of approval, ensuring that the fuel is produced in accordance with strict sustainability criteria. The ISCC goes beyond simple emissions reduction to promote transparent, sustainable, and deforestation-free practices throughout the supply chain. Its scope encompasses a wide range of sustainable materials, from agricultural biomass to recycled carbon sources, ensuring a truly holistic approach.
Launched by DHL Global Forwarding in 2022, the GoGreen Plus service uses the book and claim system by utilizing sustainable fuels in air and ocean freight, allowing customers to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their freight volumes, even when their shipments are not physically transported with the assets using these sustainable fuels. GoGreen Plus represents an important step in DHL Group’s journey to enhance its product offerings in line with its science-based decarbonization targets for 2030.
