Climate and Environmental Protection at the Sites

Comprehensive climate and environmental protection measures at our sites

For Hermes, it goes without saying that its some 50 depots, logistics centres and offices in Germany need to be climate-friendly, avoiding any negative impact on the environment. Climate protection is the most important part of environmental protection concepts at our sites. We use efficient technologies and involve our employees in environmental and climate protection measures. New properties, such as the nine new logistics centres (LCs), are being planned and built in an environmentally friendly and energy-efficient manner as part of our ‘Bluefield’ future and investment programme.

From 2006 to the end of 2017, we were already able to save 45% of volume-adjusted CO₂ emissions at our sites. To achieve our goal of reducing our volume-adjusted CO2 emissions by 50% by 2020 at our sites, we need to further optimise our primary energy consumption.

Sustainable optimisation in cooperation with our stakeholders

We want to build new properties as sustainably and energy-efficiently as possible. For us, our corporate responsibility begins in the planning phase. In doing so, we focus on recognised standards. To date, more than 20 buildings have been constructed in accordance with the silver standard German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). The DGNB system evaluates the economic, social and ecological quality of commercial property across the whole life cycle of the building. In Germany, we are investing around EUR 300 million in the construction of a total of nine new logistics centres by 2020. All new buildings will be constructed in line with the high standards of the DGNB.

The resulting enhanced logistics network within Germany will also enable us to make our logistics processes on the ’line haul’ even more efficient. We are firmly adhering to our high standards for all new locations to be built by 2020: for the completed logistics centres at Bad Rappenau, Mainz, Berlin-Brandenburg and Graben we have received the "Gold" award from the DGNB thanks to our compliance with sustainability criteria.

Important progress is also being made in the area of energy management at our sites. For example, conventional lighting systems are being replaced by LED lighting and equipped with an intelligent time- and area-controlled energy management system.

Absolute non-adjusted CO₂ emissions at our sites amounted to 12,776 tonnes in 2017, down 1,500 tonnes compared to the previous year.

CO₂ emissions (in tonnes) from HE/HG/HES in relation to all clients.

The values indicate the nonquantity-adjusted absolute CO₂ emissions.

A holistic approach to planning also calls for close cooperation with our stakeholders. As such, noise protection for residents, a good working climate (e.g. light planning, barrier-free access) and environmentally compatible site planning (e.g. insect protection, bird-friendly compensation areas) are a matter of course for us. In cooperation with NABU, we have already achieved a great deal on the last point.

Focus on certified environmental management

In order to continuously achieve further ecological enhancement, we have established an environmental management system in line with ISO 14001 at our sites. At all administration offices, logistics centres and depots, environment management is regularly certified in accordance with ISO 14001 requirements. New locations will be included in the scope of certification after an introductory phase.

Overview of certifications (as at: 04/2018)

Forty-six of 50 locations in Germany have been certified. Initial certification for four new logistics centres is planned for 2018 and 2019 (scope: Hermes Germany, Hermes Einrichtungs Service, Hermes Europe).

Climate and resource protection

In addition, specific measures are being implemented at the logistics and administration buildings in order to contribute to climate protection and resource conservation. At nine locations, heating systems are operated with biomass as a renewable raw material. In addition, 30% of the electricity demand is currently covered by high-quality certified green electricity according to the criteria of the "Grüner Strom Labels e.V.". In addition, e-charging stations at the sites will be successively expanded in order to electrify the vehicle fleet.

Employee engagement in corporate climate and environmental protection

Employees at our sites are particularly involved in corporate climate and environmental protection and are kept informed of this on an ongoing basis. The framework for this is provided by ISO 14001 certification. For example, our employees are trained in how waste can be sensibly avoided and recycled. As part of the annual Sustainability Weeks, campaigns are held to raise awareness and to motivate our employees in matters of climate and environmental protection.