GoGreen from DHL: green shipping for E-Commerce businesses

In a time when our planet is on the brink of an ecological disaster, it is the duty of every company to care for the environment. Even small changes in logistics can make a big difference for the environment. However, people are often unaware of the significance and urgency of this issue, and even less frequently do they take action to address it.

Caring for the environment is not as difficult as it may seem at first glance. You just have to start. That’s why DHL offers the GoGreen service, which enables e-commerce companies to deliver their goods in an environmentally friendly way. With this program, e-commerce businesses can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to solving the global environmental crisis. Join the movement for a cleaner planet today!

What is DHL GoGreen?

DHL GoGreen is an innovative, climate-neutral delivery solution that DHL introduced in the early 2000s. It generated significant interest among environmentally conscious consumers. The greenhouse gases produced during parcel delivery are offset, and investments are made in climate protection projects.

It’s understandable that we all want to live in a clean and healthy environment. So why not contribute yourself and choose DHL GoGreen?

By choosing the DHL GoGreen service, you contribute to a cleaner planet. Surprisingly, the company does not stop there; it is continuously working to make its logistics processes more environmentally friendly.

Here are some of the program’s successes:

In addition to shipping with the DHL GoGreen service, there are many other environmentally friendly alternative delivery services (such as UPS Carbon Neutral, FedEx Sustainable Delivery, USPS Priority Mail Express Flat Rate Box, DPD Predict, and DPD Clean). DHL GoGreen is widely regarded as one of the best options due to the following advantages:

• International Recognition: DHL GoGreen shipping has been awarded various environmental prizes and certifications for its commitment to sustainability;
• Years of Experience: in implementing environmental initiatives and developing sustainable solutions;
• An Integrated Approach: The company not only offsets carbon emissions, but also actively introduces eco-friendly technologies into its fleet and infrastructure;
• High Service Standards: Calculations to offset the CO₂ footprint and regular reporting to customers.

The GoGreen service from DHL is used by large multinational corporations around the world, as well as smaller businesses looking to reduce their logistical footprint. Examples include Adidas, Xerox, Hewlett-Packard (HP), Siemens, Panasonic, and many others. They utilize the service to ship their products with the GoGreen Certificate, informing their customers about their efforts to protect the environment.

DHL GoGreen: Why this service is a must for companies

This service is not only desirable but simply essential for many companies. There are several important reasons for this. The top three are:

1. Compliance with Environmental Regulations and Laws: Many countries are introducing increasingly strict requirements to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Utilizing DHL's GoGreen services can help companies meet these mandatory regulations.
2. Customer Satisfaction: Research indicates that an increasing number of customers expect the companies they work with to take responsibility for the environment.
3. Economic Incentives: Ultimately, companies benefit in two ways: reduced CO₂ emissions and financial advantages.

According to a report from the European Commission, technologies and services aimed at reducing global CO₂ emissions are expected to create a market worth one trillion euros by 2030. Companies utilizing the DHL GoGreen services can participate in this rapidly growing and profitable market.

Climate-neutral delivery: How DHL GoGreen works

CO₂ compensation

The principle underlying this concept is called CO₂-Response. This means that DHL takes responsibility for the carbon dioxide emissions generated during the delivery of customer parcels. Companies measure these CO₂ emissions and offset them by investing in international climate-neutral projects. 

CO₂ compensation works as follows:

1. During the delivery of parcels, DHL first measures the amount of CO₂ emissions generated in the process.
2. These emissions are then offset by purchasing certified emission certificates.
3. This funds climate protection projects, such as renewable energy initiatives or reforestation, that capture or prevent an equivalent amount of CO₂.

In this way, DHL ensures that the delivery of parcels to customers does not increase an individual’s ecological footprint. With this concept, customers can be confident that their delivery is climate-neutral without needing to take any additional steps beyond placing their order on the website. DHL takes full responsibility for the CO₂ footprint of the delivery.

How much does shipping with DHL GoGreen cost?

A surcharge is applied for the DHL GoGreen service. The weight and size of the parcel, as well as the delivery distance, all affect the shipping cost with DHL GoGreen. The additional fee for this service, which offsets CO2 emissions during delivery, helps DHL achieve its stated goal of zero emissions by 2050. To increase transparency, the GoGreen fee and the fuel surcharge are displayed separately on the invoice starting January 1, 2024. We recommend using the DHL online calculator to get an accurate shipping cost estimate.

What GoGreen Plus is and how it differs from GoGreen

In June 2023, DHL Express announced the launch of GoGreen Plus. What is it, and what does it have to do with GoGreen?

GoGreen Plus expands and complements the existing sustainability program of DHL Express, GoGreen. The service was initially introduced for global express service providers in the United Kingdom, followed by Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Canada, Australia, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and other countries. Customers in these countries can choose GoGreen Plus when selecting a delivery service through MyDHL+, an online platform for delivery and shipment tracking. The service is flexible and can be selected for individual shipments.

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, said in a statement: «We know that our customers want to reduce their environmental impact, and that’s why it’s important for us to provide them with the opportunity to do so. I’m pleased that our customers can now fully leverage our investment in SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) to reduce emissions in the transportation of goods. SAF is currently the most important method for reducing carbon emissions in air freight and, therefore, the most effective way to help our customers make their own supply chains more sustainable».

When customers choose the GoGreen Plus program, DHL Express continues to implement all the measures of the GoGreen program but offers additional options to customers. The new service allows customers to reduce the carbon footprint of their shipments through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

DHL and Google partner for green logistics

Google uses the GoGreen Plus service from DHL Express and invests in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to reduce emissions from air logistics transportation.

DHL GoGreen Service and Google, one of the world’s largest technology companies, have announced a partnership to use the GoGreen Plus service from DHL Express with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The initiative includes the express delivery of Google Devices and Services across America, Asia, and Europe and is part of Google’s efforts to promote the use of existing decarbonization technologies in air freight.

Google has set the goal of achieving zero emissions across the entire company and its entire value chain by 2030. John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, added: «After introducing the SAF program throughout our entire international network, we are pleased to offer our long-standing partner Google the GoGreen Plus service. We are confident that this agreement and Google’s significant investment will encourage others to start similar initiatives and promote the shift towards low-emission transportation with cleaner aviation fuels».

SPEA and DHL work together for a green future

SPEA, a leading provider of automated test equipment for the electronics industry, announced on June 14, 2024, that the company is participating in DHL's GoGreen Plus service. This allows SPEA to reduce the CO₂ emissions associated with air travel through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Through this partnership, SPEA aims to minimize the environmental impact of its global supply chain.

«Sustainability is one of SPEA's core values, and we are constantly looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact, save energy, and protect the environment», says Marco Ramello, Logistics Manager at SPEA. «We know that most of our customers can only receive parts via air freight. By participating in the DHL GoGreen Plus service, we can offer a more environmentally friendly delivery option without compromising on speed and reliability».

The DHL GoGreen Plus service enables SPEA to reduce the carbon footprint of its transports by mixing SAF with conventional jet fuel. This fuel, made from alternative raw materials such as used cooking oil, waste, and hydrogen, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent over its entire lifecycle compared to conventional fuel.

Why choose DHL GoGreen climate-neutral logistics with Shipstage?

The world today faces a complex problem related to the environmental impact of transportation logistics. The global logistics industry, valued at several trillion dollars, is responsible for nearly 6% of all greenhouse gas emissions. This issue is becoming more acute each year as the global economy grows, the logistics sector expands, and CO₂ emissions increase. This poses a threat to both the environment and human health.

At Shipstage, we understand the importance of sustainability in modern logistics. That’s why we are proud to be closely integrated into DHL’s GoGreen sustainability program. Our Shipstage platform offers unique opportunities to implement climate-friendly practices in your logistics operations. 

Specifically, this involves direct integration with DHL GoGreen: Shipstage customers can select DHL GoGreen shipping options directly at checkout. All necessary information is transmitted to DHL for order processing.

Contact us to learn more about how Shipstage can help your company achieve its sustainability goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping with DHL GoGreen take when using DHL GoGreen?

DHL GoGreen shipping is slightly slower but more environmentally friendly. It usually takes 1–2 days longer than standard shipping. The exact delivery time depends on factors such as distance, weight, and other variables.

How do you recognize a climate-neutral delivery?

To identify eco-friendly shipping with DHL GoGreen, look for special labels on packaging and documents. These labels indicate the additional costs incurred due to DHL’s use of environmentally friendly shipping methods.

I want to offset my shipping - how does that work?

To offset the CO₂ footprint of your shipment, select the DHL GoGreen shipping option at checkout. You can also choose to make a small additional donation to DHL’s climate protection program, with proceeds going toward environmental projects.

When does DHL deliver packages if you use DHL GoGreen?

DHL GoGreen delivers packages within the same timeframe as regular delivery—1-2 business days for domestic shipments and 3-5 business days for international shipments, including deliveries to Germany.