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DELHI, India, Dec. 6 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Global freight logistics companies, manufacturers, freight carriers and industry associations signed the "Private Sector Declaration on Green Freight in Asia towards a Green Economy" to support green freight initiatives and programs in Asia. National green freight programs reduce fossil fuel dependency, improve air quality and minimize CO2 emissions that contribute to climate change, whilst maintaining economic growth.
The Declaration on Green Freight was announced today at the 6th Environmentally Sustainable Transport (EST) Forum and Urban Mobility India 2011 Conference in Delhi that was attended by senior transport and environment officials from 22 Asian countries and chaired by the Minister of State for Urban Development, India. The conference outcomes, including the Declaration on Green Freight will contribute to the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June 2012, with "green economy" as a main theme.
Three global logistics companies, DHL, TNT and UPS, are among the signatories and have a shared interest to reduce fuel costs, minimize carbon footprint, and improve their corporate image. Other signatories include Caux Round Table -- Japan, Keppel Logistics, Schneider Electric, Taipei Computer Association, Diageo and Tonglit Logistics, and more companies are expected to join.
These companies are also the founding members of the Green Freight Asia Network of companies and associations involved in freight transport in Asia, which will be coordinated by the Sustainable Supply Chain Centre -- Asia Pacific (SSCCAP) and the Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia). This network will allow for members to share practices and methodologies and facilitate their active participation in the development of national green freight policies and programs.
"The private sector plays a critical role in making freight sector more competitive, efficient and environmentally sustainable, and the Green Freight Asia Network will help to achieve this," said Kevin Bennett, Director of the SSCCAP.
Sophie Punte, CAI-Asia Executive Director, added "We have seen a rapid development of green freight programs and initiatives across Asia, especially in China, which build on the success of the US SmartWay program. Governments now need the support from the private sector to make these programs effective."
Bjorn Hannapel, Senior Expert GoGreen at DHL said "For a globally operating company like DHL it is most important to have aligned approaches regarding green freight programs. That’s why we are engaged in all existing or developing programs (US, Europe and Asia). We are looking forward to working together with our customers, suppliers and even competitors in the Green Freight Asia Network."
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About CAI-Asia
The Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) promotes better air quality and livable cities by translating knowledge to policies and actions that reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from transport, energy and other sectors. CAI-Asia was established in 2001 as a leading air quality network for Asia by the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and USAID. Since 2007, this multi-stakeholder initiative is a registered UN Type II Partnership with more than 220 organizational members and eight Country Networks (China, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam). The CAI-Asia Center is its secretariat, a non-profit organization headquartered in Manila, Philippines with offices in China and India. Individuals can join CAI-Asia by registering at the Clean Air Portal: www.cleanairinitiative.org. Its flagship event, the Better Air Quality conference, brings together over 500 air quality stakeholders.
For media queries, please contact: Ritchie Anne Rono, Communications Officer, center@cai-asia.org www.cleanairinitiative.org
| CAI-Asia Center Unit 3505, Robinsons-Equitable Tower ADB Avenue, Pasig City, 1605 Metro Manila, Philippines center@cai-asia.org |
CAI-Asia China Office 901A, Reignwood Building No.8 YongAnDongLi Jianguomenwai Avenue Beijing 100022 China cpo@cai-asia.org |
CAI-Asia India Office Regus Elegance Elegance Tower, Jasola New Delhi -- 110025, India India@cai-asia.org |
Country Networks China -- India Indonesia -- Nepal Pakistan -- Philippines Sri Lanka -- Vietnam |
About SSCCAP
The Sustainable Supply Chain Centre -- Asia Pacific (SSCCAP) was established on 1 July 2010 by DHL and the National University of Singapore. The SSCCAP brings together industry, academia and public policy stakeholders to develop practical solutions for more sustainable supply chains. As a partnership of the private and academic sectors the SSCCAP uses research expertise to develop advanced knowledge of supply chain sustainability and uses that understanding to develop practical business tools for operational application. The SSCCAP is based at the National University of Singapore.
For media queries, please contact: Kevin Bennett, Director, Sustainable Supply Chain Centre -- Asia Pacific
The Sustainable Supply Chain Centre - Asia Pacific
21 Heng Mui Keng Terrace #04-01
Singapore 119613
Tel: +65-9776-0801
Email: ssccap@nus.edu.sg
