Aligned with the SDGs: Co-Benefits of Climate Action
The core competence of trans-o-flex is logistics solutions for the healthcare, cosmetics, consumer electronics and other sensitive goods sectors. The company has built up transport networks in which goods are either transported untempered or actively tempered at 15 to 25 degrees Celsius or at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and documented in accordance with EU regulations for pharmaceutical transport throughout Germany and Austria. The range of services is supplemented by storage, order picking and individual value-added services. The company thus covers the entire logistics chain from procurement to fulfilment.
Transport is responsible for a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU. This gives the transport sector an essential role in the climate crisis. trans-o-flex is aware of its responsibility and has developed a targeted sustainability strategy. By recording emissions in full, they are creating more transparency for the CO2 emissions generated by transport services. One initiative trans-o-flex already implemented is their co2de green programme, which enables their customers to take responsibility for their carbon footprint by investing in internationally certified climate projects to offset unavoidable emissions.
“The central, long-term goal of trans-o-flex is the decarbonisation of all business activities by 2045 at the latest. In the long term, the aim is then to achieve a positive greenhouse gas balance by overcompensating for greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this goal, trans-o-flex has established climate protection as an indispensable part of its sustainability strategy for more than ten years. We take the approach of measuring CO2 emissions according to international standards in order to then specifically avoid, reduce and compensate for them. We publicly document this process in our annual sustainability report. In order to bundle and efficiently manage our various activities in this field, we established our own ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) department in 2021, which reports directly to the CEO.” - CEO, Wolfgang P. Albeck
In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the company takes a holistic approach to sustainability, focusing not just on carbon emissions but also on a diverse range of co-benefits. Within its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) guidelines, trans-o-flex utilizes the framework of the SDGs to make its sustainability ambitions more concrete and measurable. For instance, it contributes to SDG 7, "Clean Energy," by transitioning to 100% renewable electricity.
Because of trans-o-flex’s commitment to align their sustainability strategy with the SDGs, this should also be reflected in their climate contribution. This is why they not only focused on the carbon capture potential of potential climate projects, but also on their co-benefits.
Despite these comprehensive efforts, there has been increasing client demand for more regional sustainability initiatives, offering a tangible impact closer to the emission sources.
Responding to this challenge, trans-o-flex decided to enhance its sustainability approach by investing in a German forest area of 270,225 square meters located just 75 kilometers from Berlin. Partnering with Pina Earth, this project aims to make these forests climate-resilient through forest adaptation measurements that contribute to several key SDGs, notably those related to health (SDG 3), education (SDG 4), water quality (SDG 6), responsible production (SDG 12), climate action (SDG 13), and biodiversity (SDG 15).
The project addresses public health and well-being by improving air quality, as forests act as natural air filters. It also involves educational components that equip stakeholders with knowledge and tools for effective climate action. The project focuses on water quality as well, leveraging the natural filtering capacity of forest soils to support clean water sources. Furthermore, the project champions responsible production by insisting on sustainable wood production certifications like FSC or PEFC. This initiative becomes a compelling case of proactive climate action by sequestering significant amounts of CO2 and enhancing biodiversity, introducing new species and increasing overall ecosystem diversity.
One of the unique aspects of this project is its strong foundation in scientific recommendations and localized climate impact scenarios. It places a particular emphasis on tree species diversity, soil health, and nutrient balance, aiming to create an ecosystem that is not just resilient but also beneficial for the local environment.
Therefore, the project not only meets customer demands for more regional initiatives, but also reflects trans-o-flex's comprehensive sustainability ambitions.
“We are pleased to be working with Pina Earth because they are tackling the major challenge of forest dieback in Germany with state-of-the-art technology and the highest quality of service, thus making an important contribution to the preservation of forests. Moreover, we are delighted with the good advice and communication.” - Marlo Keno Geldon, Sustainability Manager at trans-o-flex.