Parcel delivery company Hermes has announced an ambitious Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) programme designed to reduce its impact on the planet, promote equality and fairness and increase transparency about its operations. 

Nancy Hobhouse, who recently joined Hermes as Head of ESG from John Lewis where she was Senior Sustainability Manager, will steer the strategy, building on Hermes’ current position as a home delivery company with one of the lowest carbon footprints in the market across every part of its operations.

Hermes has also now signed the Climate Pledge, which is a commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040 or sooner. Over 200 companies are committed.

Hermes has completed its Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon assessment and has just expanded its fleet of low carbon Bio-CNG trucks to 160, the largest of its kind in the UK. 

30% of Hermes’ van fleet serving its Parcel Shops and Lockers is now electric, making its Out-of-home collection and drop-off offering one of the most sustainable in the market. 

In addition, all its operations use 100% certified renewable electricity and will be the first dedicated parcel company to trial an electric HGV. Future targets include becoming net zero by 2035 for direct and indirect emissions. 

Hobhouse said: “We will continue to reduce carbon emissions across our operations by focusing on our vehicles, infrastructure, and innovative products and services. 

“We are firmly on the road to net zero and proud we are the lowest carbon per parcel of any dedicated parcel company. However, we know that there’s more to do, and we will continue to innovate and drive this agenda forward.”

Fash Sawyerr, Chief Transformation Officer at Hermes, added: “As a responsible carrier, we recognise our impact on the environment and we are pushing sustainability and ethics to the forefront of our operating model. 

“We are committed to delivering a better future for the planet including our people, our customers and retail partners, and wider communities.”