Panalpina aces on sustainability scores

International logistics and freight forwarding company Panalpina has achieved an A- for climate change from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), highlighting the company’s position as a global leader for corporate action on climate and environmental protection.

The Carbon Disclosure Project has again named global businesses that lead on environmental performance. This year, it recognized around 400 companies out of 7,000 and Panalpina is one of them, scoring A- for climate change. Panalpina is one of 12 companies in Switzerland to have attained leadership level in the area of climate change in 2018.

Every year, thousands of companies disclose data about their environmental impacts, risks and opportunities to the not-for-profit organization CDP for independent assessment. The CDP scores are used by investors, major purchasing organizations, cities, states and regions to evaluate how companies are managing their environmental impacts.

Companies receive scores from A to D for how effectively they are tackling climate change. Those that provide insufficient information, or none at all, are marked with an F. CDP assesses companies on the comprehensiveness of their climate disclosure as well as their awareness and management of environmental risks. It also takes into account how companies demonstrate best practices and environmental leadership, such as setting ambitious and meaningful targets.

“We are proud to have achieved an A- score from CDP, which puts us in the top six percent of 7,000 responding companies,” says Lindsay Zingg, Panalpina’s global head of quality, health, safety and environment. “Panalpina is in a top league of only four third-party logistics providers globally with an A-level CDP score. This underlines our commitment and is great news for our customers who look for leadership in their suppliers to help them achieve their own ambitious sustainability goals.”

Another top rating for CSR

Panalpina also received a gold rating from EcoVadis, a multi-industry corporate social responsibility (CSR) platform that evaluates companies’ CSR performance on 21 topics grouped into four themes: environment, labor and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Based on company policies, actions and results in these areas, EcoVadis issues a bronze, silver or gold rating.

Since Panalpina joined EcoVadis in 2009, it has steadily increased its rating and holds yet another gold rating for 2019. On top of that, EcoVadis ranks Panalpina on the 97^th percentile of all companies disclosing to them. This means that Panalpina’s score is equal to or higher than 97 percent of all companies assessed. In its industry category, Panalpina ranks in the top one percent of companies assessed.

Reduced CO₂ emissions

In addition, Panalpina has reduced internal carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by 23 percent from 2013 to 2018. Over that same period, the company also used 28 percent less water and 38 percent less paper, while employee figures remained relatively constant.

Panalpina has also set its sights on the sustainability of its transport providers. It was among the first 50 companies globally with approved Science Based Targets.

“Having science-based, approved CO₂ emission targets shows true willingness to lead in mitigating climate change, and demonstrates that these targets are in line with the goal to keep the world from warming beyond 2º Celsius,” explains Zingg.

Besides other targets, Panalpina commits to reduce CO₂ emissions from subcontracted transportation by 25 percent by 2030 (baseline 2017).

Panalpina’s sustainability framework is divided into four pillars: customers, team, environment and community. The company’s comprehensive environmental initiative includes efforts to expand energy and greenhouse gas monitoring systems and subcontractor engagement. Panalpina will publish its Corporate Sustainability Report in April 2019.