UPS announced in its annual Sustainability Report that while the total number of packages shipped in 2012 increased, the company reduced its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Environmental achievements included ground and air fuel savings, increased investments in alternative fuel vehicles, and retooled routes that shaved 12.1 million miles from ground deliveries.
One of the cornerstones of UPS's environmental strategy is to support the development and use of lower-emission alternative fuels, according to UPS. Between 2000 and the end of 2012, the alternative fuel/advanced technology fleet logged 295 million miles with an ambitious new goal of 1 billion miles set for 2017. In 2012, this growing fleet drove 49 million miles, a 43-percent increase compared to 2011.
Highlights of the 2012 report include:
Reduction of global ghg emissions from operations and purchased energy of 2.1 percent compared to 2011.
Rapid expansion of UPS's dedicated global healthcare infrastructure to more than 6 million square feet.
A Global Forestry Initiative to plant more than 1 million trees by the end of 2013.
Humanitarian relief efforts in 35 countries, with related in-kind donations valued at $2.6 million.
Total Charitable Contributions and United Way donations of $97.5 million, up from 2011 by $4 million.
1.8 million volunteer hours donated by UPS employees, friends, and families, a new record.
Earlier this year, UPS announced plans to add nearly 1,000 liquefied natural gas (LNG) tractors in the next two years, expanding its current fleet of 2,700 alternative fuel and technologically advanced vehicles. The fleet today includes all-electric, electric hybrids, hydraulic hybrids, natural gas (LNG, compressed natural gas), propane, biomethane, and light-weight fuel-saving composite body vehicles.
Details of UPS's GHG initiatives and sustainability programs can be found in the annual Sustainability Report at www.ups.com/sustainability.
