DB Schenker is collaborating with Microsoft Cloud Logistics on low carbon intercontinental transportation and sustainable logistics.

This effort includes building logistics warehouses and implementing alternative energy trucks, as well as using sustainable aviation and marine fuels, highlighting their ambition to reduce the environmental footprint of transportation.

This is a step towards reducing the carbon emissions associated with their logistics operations compared with transportation using conventional fossil-based fuels.

Logistics warehouses, designed to streamline operations and enhance network efficiency while reducing environmental impact using renewable energies, are at the heart of DB Schenker and Microsoft Cloud’s collaborative efforts. The facility in Illinois, USA, achieved Leed Platinum-certification, which is the highest level of certification granted by the US Green Building Council and demonstrates DB Schenker’s environmental and community stewardship.

In addition to the SuperHub in the USA, Microsoft Cloud Logistics’ Netherlands warehouse carries the Breeam Certificate Level Excellent, thus ensuring these warehouses meet high standards of energy efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing occupant well-being.

“Microsoft and DB Schenker, that’s two global leaders united to reduce emissions in transportation and logistics,” said Jochen Thewes, CEO of DB Schenker. “Our cooperation is expected to demonstrate that significant CO_2e savings are feasible already in today’s intercontinental supply chains. The upgrade of the Netherlands warehouse to Breeam Excellent status and the Illinois SuperHub receiving the Leed Platinum certification are prime examples of our dedication to paving the way for more sustainable and innovative logistics.”

Cliff Henson from Microsoft (www.microsoft.com), added: “Microsoft Cloud Logistics is committed to leading the way in sustainable logistics. Our collaboration with DB Schenker has enabled the development of cutting-edge sustainable warehouses along with innovative fuel strategies across all modes of freight, exemplifying our dedication to setting industry standards in the logistics environmental sustainability arena. These efforts mark a significant step forward in our efforts to reduce our environmental impacts in line with Microsoft’s 2030 sustainability commitments.”

Sustainable aviation and maritime fuels will be procured by DB Schenker and allocated to Microsoft Cloud Logistics’ inbound air and ocean shipments, and is anticipated to result in a reduction of at least 15,000t of CO_2e emissions per year. In March 2024, DB Schenker also implemented the use of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) for all ocean shipments traveling from California to Texas. In addition, DB Schenker has extended its environmental sustainability efforts with Microsoft Cloud to land transport in Europe and North America with HVO100 fuelling stations and electric vehicles.

DB Schenker (www.dbschenker.com) has around 72,700 employees at more than 1850 locations in over 130 countries. The company operates land, air and ocean transportation services, and also offers logistics and global supply chain management from a single source.

• Deutsche Bahn has approved the sale of DB Schenker to Danish transport and logistics group DSV (www.dsv.com). The sale is expected to be completed during 2025 once all regulatory approvals have been obtained.