In recent years, sustainability has become an increasingly important factor for companies, not only from an environmental standpoint but also from a financial one. The impact of sustainable efforts on the financial results of companies that invest in those practices has been a hot topic of discussion among business leaders and investors alike. The transportation sector, in particular, is an area that has a significant impact on the environment and is therefore ripe for sustainable investment.
Transportation is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. Therefore, more and more companies and investors are considering investing in modern transportation companies that are changing trends towards more environmentally friendly practices. One such trend is the use of bio-LNG fuel, which can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20%-30% in comparison to diesel fuel.
Companies that invest in sustainable practices often enjoy a range of financial benefits. For instance, they can reduce their operating costs by lowering their energy consumption, waste generation, and carbon emissions. Sustainable practices can also help companies to enhance their reputation and attract new customers who value environmentally responsible companies. Additionally, investors are increasingly interested in eco-friendly companies, with many investment funds now focusing exclusively on firms that are committed to sustainability.
Our company is a leader in sustainability transformation in trucking sector in Europe. We have made a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2025, and we are investing heavily in sustainable technologies to help us achieve that goal. For instance, we have started using LNG trucks to reduce fuel consumption but also helps to reduce our carbon emissions. We are also using bio-LNG fuels, which are derived from organic waste, to further reduce our pollution levels. In addition to our sustainable transportation practices, we are also committed to preserving the environment. We have partnered with Ecobal, a company that is dedicated to preserving nature, to compensate our last CO2 emissions to carbon neutral. Ecobal is planting trees in areas that have been deforested, which helps to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and promote biodiversity.
One of the main reasons why it’s important to start thinking about sustainability in the transportation sector is that it is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. According to the European Environment Agency, transportation accounted for 28% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2019. This highlights the urgent need for companies to take action to reduce their carbon footprint.
Choosing a company that is committed to sustainability in trucking is an excellent way to support the environment and reduce your carbon footprint. By using a company like ours, you can be sure that your transportation needs are being met in a way that is environmentally responsible. You can also be confident that you are supporting a company that is committed to reducing its impact on the environment and promoting sustainable practices.
Create a positive legacy
Okay, now you know that choosing a sustainable partner is good for the environment. But is it good for your wallet? At first glance, using the services of a sustainability-focused partner may be slightly more expensive. And indeed, the cost of the service itself may be slightly higher.
However investing in sustainability and carbon neutrality is also an excellent way to enhance public relations. And we all know that may be costly. Usually, the costs of PR activities to improve the negative image of a company related to the environmental harm caused by their services/products significantly outweigh the price difference between traditional and carbon-friendly partner services. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, they are increasingly interested in doing business with companies that share their values. By promoting our sustainable practices and carbon-neutral goals, you can show your customers that you are committed to making a positive impact on the environment. This helps to enhance your reputation and attract new customers who value sustainability.
There are many studies showing the growing importance of sustainable development and pro-environmental actions in consumer decision-making. An example of this is the Edelman Trust Barometer 2022[1], which clearly shows that consumers expect companies to take effective pro-environmental actions. However, 52% of respondents worldwide believe that companies are not doing enough to address societal problems. At the same time, 58% of people will buy or advocate for brands based on their beliefs and values. 80% will invest based on their beliefs and values. Many companies still do not see the problem, believing that their actions do not affect the environment or even denying the existence of climate change. However, is such an attitude economically rational? It is strange that only in Poland, 81% of citizens feel that climate change affects their daily lives[2]. Throughout the EU, this percentage is just slightly lower.
Sustainability is key to progress.
Considering above studies, it is difficult not to get the impression that in today’s world, the lack of sustainability actions is harmful not only to the environment, but also to the future of such businesses. According to European Comission over half of EU consumers shopping with sustainability in mind[3].
It seems that these are confirmed by macroeconomic data. According to a study by MSCI, ESG-focused companies outperformed their peers and have also shown resilience during periods of heightened market volatility. An MSCI study compared three global ESG indexes with the parent gauge, MSCI All Country World Index ACWI, during the first quarter of 2020 (the onset of the COVID-19 sell-off) and found that the ESG measures outperformed the traditional benchmark (MSCI ACWI) over the same period and onwards :
EY’s Sustainable Value Study report states that “As sustainability grows as a priority for investors, clients and customers, green ‘credentials’ may not just be a benefit to your business and brand, but a necessity – it is not too late, yet.” The report also found that seven in 10 companies achieved higher than expected financial value through their climate investments. Companies leading on action take a broader approach and are 2.4 times more likely to report significantly higher financial value than expected. However, despite 93% of companies surveyed making a public climate change commitment, most commitments fall short – only 42% plan to reduce emissions by 45% or more and only 35% have a commitment to do so by 2030.
That’s why it’s so important to choose partners based on their current sustainability actions, not just their plans. Our company has been implementing such changes for years now. Both consumers and the EY report authors recognize the problem that these changes are being introduced too slowly. As the founder of Don Trucking noted, this is because other companies often choose solutions that are not yet realistic. In contrast, we choose realistic solutions that we have already implemented. You can read more about it in this article – link.
Follow the actual leaders
The same studies also indicate that 68% of pacesetter companies require their suppliers to reduce their carbon emissions, compared to only 4% of other companies. Almost four in ten CEOs of large companies worldwide believe that the emphasis on implementing ESG strategies is now the key to increasing their firms’ competitiveness. They therefore announce that sustainable development in the context of all products and services will be their most important strategic action in the near future (CEO Outlook Pulse Survey). The same goes for 81% of professional stock investors in Poland who have stated that companies with implemented ESG strategies are perceived as entities with lower risk. Follow the leaders! Especially if you want to be perceived as an attractive partner for your customers and investors.
In conclusion, the impact of sustainable efforts on the financial results of companies that invest in those practices is significant. By choosing to invest a little extra in an eco-friendly transportation service committed to being carbon neutral, not only will you contribute to the development of more sustainable practices and new standards in the industry, but you’ll also reap additional benefits in various other ways.
Greenwashing
However, remember to choose your partner wisely. The EU Commission aims to fight against greenwashing – false claims about sustainability. The proposal which is expected to be presented by the European Commission in the coming weeks, aims to help consumers make better-informed choices about the products or services they buy. It turns out that almost half (40%) of the environmental claims made about products and services are “unsubstantiated.” Therefore, not every transportation company that uses the terms “green,” “eco,” or “environmentally friendly” is trustworthy.
On the other hand, Don Trucking, in cooperation with Ecobal, owns several nature spots in Europe. Our focus is on preserving nature, planting new trees, observing the natural world, and working to enhance and nurture it. Do you know what carbon leakage is? This is a situation in which the industry from one country relocates its production or services to other countries with lower standards for greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2).
As a result, greenhouse gas emissions in a given country may remain at a similar level, but global emissions increase due to the shift in production to countries with lower environmental protection standards. All of the nature spots and forests managed by Ecobal are located within the European Union, so this problem does not apply to us at all! In order to support our commitment, we have also invested in certification issued by the University of Poznan.
All of our joint activities have been confirmed to make sense for environmental protection, which resulted in cooperation with other Ecobal project sponsors – such as Iveco or Samskip – who appreciated our dedication and contribution to developing a better future for next generations. Join this fantastic group of environmentally aware and sustainable partners by organizing your new generation service with Don Trucking!
Please remember, that in the transportation sector, sustainability is particularly important, given its significant contribution to carbon emissions. Our company is a leader in sustainability transformation in transportation in Europe. We are committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025. We use LNG trucks, bio-LNG fuels, and partner with Ecobal to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
By choosing a company like ours, you can be sure that your transportation needs are being met in a way that is environmentally responsible and you are supporting a company that is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. You can also expects tremendous benefits to your business. As it turns out that after all – investing in sustainability can be a great business move. Green may be a new gold. So don’t get left behind and choose a responsible partner who has modern and clear visions of their sustainable future and prioritizes long-term cooperation and trade agreements.
Contact us to today and learn how can we elevate your transportation business to a higher level of environmental awareness and long term viability!