DB Schenker & Microsoft: Greener Logistics Solutions
DB Schenker, a global force in logistics, is deepening its commitment to sustainability through a partnership with Microsoft Cloud Logistics.
Together, they are exploring innovative solutions, focusing on the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and sustainable marine fuel (SMF) to reduce their environmental impact.
The collaboration is part of a larger trend where logistics providers like DB Schenker are focusing on green initiatives to ensure the future of their industry aligns with global sustainability goals.
The latest project between DB Schenker and Microsoft showcases a clear ambition: to reduce carbon emissions across all forms of transportation.
Their efforts involve not only transitioning to greener fuels but also developing logistics warehouses powered by renewable energy and introducing alternative fuel trucks, marking a significant step forward in the push to minimise the logistics sector's reliance on fossil fuels.
DB Schenker’s collaboration with Microsoft Cloud Logistics centres on the procurement of SAF and SMF, which will be used for air and sea freight in Microsoft’s supply chain. This move is expected to reduce the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by at least 15,000 tonnes annually, demonstrating the measurable impact of adopting sustainable fuels.
Microsoft Cloud Logistics is no stranger to ambitious sustainability goals and DB Schenker’s commitment aligns well with its mission. Earlier this year, DB Schenker introduced Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a sustainable fuel source for ocean shipments between California and Texas.
Now, with HVO100 fuelling stations and a fleet of electric vehicles supporting its European and North American operations, DB Schenker is driving substantial progress in reducing transport emissions.
Jochen Thewes, CEO of DB Schenker, comments: “Microsoft and DB Schenker – that’s two global leaders united to reduce emissions in transportation and logistics.
"Our cooperation is expected to demonstrate that significant CO2e savings are feasible already in today’s intercontinental supply chains.”
Microsoft’s Cliff Henson, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Cloud Supply Chain, is equally enthusiastic about the collaboration, adding: "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.”
Warehousing innovation drives sustainability
The development of advanced logistics warehouses is another key area in DB Schenker and Microsoft’s collaboration. These warehouses are designed to operate efficiently while minimising their environmental impact, integrating renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.
In the United States, their joint facility in Illinois has been awarded the prestigious LEED Platinum certification, which recognises its top-tier environmental performance.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification is granted by the US Green Building Council and Platinum is its highest rating. This ‘SuperHub’ showcases DB Schenker’s leadership in building environmentally friendly logistics operations.
In Europe, Microsoft Cloud’s Netherlands warehouse has also achieved recognition for its environmental standards, earning the BREEAM Certificate Level of ‘Excellent’. The certification highlights the building's high energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact and enhanced wellbeing for its occupants.
“The upgrade of the Netherlands warehouse to BREEAM Excellent status and the Illinois, US SuperHub receiving the LEED Platinum Certification, are prime examples of our dedication to paving the way for more sustainable and innovative logistics solutions," Jochen notes.
Procurement's role in the sustainability shift
Procurement plays a critical role in DB Schenker and Microsoft’s sustainability efforts.
As the logistics industry moves towards greener solutions, procurement teams are prioritising suppliers that align with sustainability goals.
Microsoft’s involvement highlights the importance of selecting technology partners that provide solutions capable of driving carbon reductions and optimising supply chain efficiency.
DB Schenker’s initiative also demonstrates the need for procurement departments to focus on acquiring advanced technologies that support sustainability. This includes the use of cloud-based platforms, artificial intelligence and data analytics tools to streamline logistics operations, improve energy efficiency and lower emissions.
Collaborative procurement strategies are another key takeaway from the DB Schenker-Microsoft partnership. By working closely with technology providers, logistics companies can co-create tailored solutions that address specific sustainability challenges, such as reducing the environmental impact of global supply chains.
The use of Microsoft’s cloud and AI technologies, in particular, shows how data-driven procurement decisions can lead to more sustainable outcomes. These technologies allow for improved supplier selection, better route optimisation and more efficient inventory management – all of which contribute to reducing carbon emissions and meeting sustainability goals.
Ultimately, this partnership demonstrates how procurement departments can significantly contribute to an organisation’s environmental objectives by sourcing the right technologies and solutions.
As DB Schenker and Microsoft continue to lead the way in sustainable logistics, procurement will remain central to their ability to meet ambitious carbon reduction targets.
Jochen sums it up perfectly: “Our cooperation shows that substantial CO2e savings are possible right now and procurement is at the heart of making that happen.”
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