Decarbonization in comex: 5 strategies to reduce and offset emissions in the sector

Considered an irreversible trend at a global level, decarbonization is already a reality adopted by different sectors, including companies that operate in foreign trade.Vital to reduce the impacts of global warming and the consequent climate change, the reduction and compensation of the carbon footprint brings benefits to companies and society as a whole, as explained Alexandre Pimenta, CEO of Asia Shipping, the largest logistics integrator in Latin America.

“A decarbonization is a growing demand in the foreign trade market in compliance with the environmental requirements of governments, businesses and global institutions”, says the executive.To have an idea, the International Maritime Organization, which had already established percentages of greenhouse gas reduction, recently set a goal of zeroing net emissions by 2050.

For this, a first step, important to every business, is to measure all emissions inherent to its activities and seek alternatives to reduce and neutralize these pollutants. “From the adoption of strategies it is possible to add more sustainability to the different stages of the operations of comex”, says Pimenta.

1 ^ Measurement of carbon emissions

Considering the initial strategy for companies operating in comex, measuring emissions may seem a challenge, but according to the CEO of Asia Shipping, there are already technologies capable of effectively meeting this demand.

“For some time, following our ESG practices, we have updated one of our platforms to facilitate this measurement in our customers' operations. AS Tracking 2.0, for example, in addition to offering different operational features such as the issuance of invoices, slips and value consultation, automatically calculates the carbon emissions of movements, both by process and related to a particular destination and origin. This allows companies to make the best decisions

to compensate for its impacts and consumption of natural resources”, points out the executive.

2. Use of renewable fuels

Another important point in the race for the decarbonization of comex is the use of fuels from renewable sources. In this sense, replacing fossil solutions with clean alternatives, such as biofuels, green hydrogen, solar and wind energy can help to reduce the carbon footprint in the sector. “The transition involves both the modes of transport, as well as the logistics and storage structures”, adds Alexandre.

3 (Logistic optimization and choice of sustainable modes

As well as the energy transition, logistics optimization and the choice of more sustainable modes also bring impacts to businesses that aim to reduce their emissions. The maritime modal, which releases fewer emissions when compared to the air mode, may be a choice in this sense. But the movements can also be optimized from the use of innovative technologies, such as real-time cargo tracking systems, which help to increase operational efficiency and reduce energy consumption.

4 ^ Selection of suppliers

In order to promote decarbonization not only with regard to the activities of the business itself, many companies are concerned with expanding sustainable practices throughout its operational chain.For this, the selection of 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 their carbon emissions, adhering to programs that allow neutralizing the residual emitted, can also be part of the net zero journey of companies operating in the comex.

This can be done in a variety of ways, whether through reforestation projects or the purchase of carbon credits.There are also businesses that invest in renewable energy generation initiatives and projects.

“The most important thing, above all, is to ensure the sustainability of operations by balancing the inevitable emissions and playing a role in the legacy of a cleaner future for the next GENERATIONS”, concludes Asia Shipping CEO.