Considered an irreversible trend worldwide, decarbonization is already a reality adopted by various sectors, including companies involved in international trade. Vital to reducing the impacts of global warming and the consequent climate changes, decreasing and offsetting the carbon footprint benefits companies and society as a whole, as explained by Alexandre Pimenta, CEO of Asia Shipping, the largest logistics integrator in Latin America.
"Decarbonization is a growing demand in the foreign trade market to meet the environmental requirements of governments, businesses, and global institutions," states the executive. To give an idea, the International Maritime Organization, which had already established reduction percentages for greenhouse gases, recently set the goal of achieving net zero emissions around 2050.
For this, an important first step for any business is to measure all emissions inherent to its activities and seek alternatives for reducing and neutralizing these pollutants. "Starting from the adoption of strategies, it is possible to add more sustainability to the different stages of trade operations," highlights Pimenta.
1 – Measuring carbon emissions
Considering the initial strategy for companies operating in foreign trade, measuring emissions may seem like a challenge, but according to the CEO of Asia Shipping, there are already technologies capable of effectively meeting this demand.
Some time ago, following our ESG practices, we updated one of our platforms to facilitate this measurement in our clients' operations. AS Tracking 2.0, for example, in addition to offering different operational functionalities such as issuing invoices, payment slips, and value inquiries, automatically calculates the carbon emissions of the movements, both by process and related to a specific destination and origin. This allows companies to make the best decisions
to offset its impacts and consumption of natural resources,” says the executive.
2 – Use of fuels from renewable sources
Another important point in the race for decarbonization of commerce is the use of fuels derived from renewable sources. In this sense, replacing fossil solutions with clean alternatives, such as biofuels, green hydrogen, solar energy, and wind power, can significantly help reduce the carbon footprint in the sector. "The transition involves both transportation modes and logistics and storage structures," complements Alexandre.
3 – Logistics optimization and choice of sustainable modes
Just like the energy transition, logistics optimization and the choice of more sustainable modes also have impacts on businesses aiming to reduce their emissions. The maritime mode, which releases fewer emissions compared to the air mode, can be a choice in this regard. But movements can also be optimized through the use of innovative technologies, such as real-time cargo tracking systems, which help increase operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
4 – Supplier selection
In order to promote decarbonization not only regarding the activities of the business itself, many companies are concerned with expanding sustainable practices throughout their entire operational chain. For this reason, selecting suppliers who demonstrate the same concerns and engagement in this cause has become a common strategy, widely adopted by companies that follow international sustainability standards and certifications.
5 – Carbon neutralization initiatives
After measuring and adopting a series of initiatives that help mitigate your carbon emissions, joining programs that allow you to neutralize the residual emissions can also be part of the net zero journey of companies that operate in foreign trade.
This can be done in various ways, either through reforestation projects or the purchase of carbon credits. There are also businesses that invest in initiatives and projects for renewable energy generation.
“The most important thing, above all, is to ensure the sustainability of operations, balancing inevitable emissions and leading the legacy of a cleaner future for future generations”, concludes the CEO of Asia Shipping.
