IAG Cargo’s Commitment to Sustainability: A Comprehensive Approach Towards a Greener Future

In an era where environmental responsibility is paramount, IAG Cargo stands out as a leader in sustainable logistics.

Under the guidance of Saleem Saeed, Sustainability Manager, the company has embarked on a multifaceted journey to reduce carbon emissions and enhance its environmental footprint.

This article delves into the strategies, challenges, and future goals of IAG Cargo, highlighting its role in shaping a more sustainable aviation industry.

Transition to Sustainable Fuels
One of the cornerstone strategies of IAG Cargo is the transition from traditional fuels to more sustainable alternatives.

Earlier this year, the company made a significant shift fromdiesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for its vehicles at the London and Dublin hubs. This move has already resulted in a substantial reduction in emissions from transportation.

“Our transition to HVO has achieved a 52% reduction in net emissions for our Scope 1 ground operations,” Saeed explains. This transition is not just a one-off initiative but a part of a broader commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.

IAG Cargo is actively exploring the incorporation of electric vehicles into its fleet, further reinforcing its dedication to reducing carbon emissions.

The Role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) play a pivotal role in IAG Cargo’s strategy to minimize carbon emissions. As part of the broader IAG group, the company is committed to achieving 10% SAF usage by 2030.

This commitment was further solidified through a renewed partnership with DHL Express and DHL Global Forwarding, projected to cut approximately 165,000 metric tons of CO2e in 2024 and 2025.

“SAF offers a significant opportunity to reduce emissions associated with air cargo transport,” Saeed notes. The partnership with DHL is crucial in securing a reliable SAF supply, which is essential for meeting ambitious sustainability targets.

Overcoming Logistical Challenges
The aviation industry faces numerous challenges in its quest for sustainability. The rapid pace of technological advancements is one such hurdle. While technology is critical in driving sustainability, there are still aspects of freight and supply chain operations that current technology cannot fully address.

“The global demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel far outpaces supply,” Saeed acknowledges. The industry urgently needs more SAF production facilities to meet growing demand and accelerate the transition to lowercarbon fuels. Overcoming these challenges requires sustained effort and strategic partnerships.

Collaborative Efforts and Industry Partnerships
Achieving sustainability goals is not a solitary endeavor. IAG Cargo emphasizes the importance of collaboration and partnerships across the industry. The company’s membership with the Smart Freight Center exemplifies this approach, bringing together air cargo carriers, customers, and shippers to align efforts and share best practices.

“Stronger collaboration and partnerships are essential to drive meaningful progress,” Saeed asserts. By fostering greater cooperation, the sector can overcome barriers to adopting environmentally friendly technologies.

Educating Customers and Stakeholders
IAG Cargo recognizes the importance of educating its customers about the environmental benefits of SAF and other sustainable initiatives. The company maintains regular communication
with customers, serving as a two-way channel to inform and listen. “We are always keen to share announcements and successes with our customers,” Saeed states. This interactive exchange ensures that customers are well-informed about IAG Cargo’s sustainability efforts and can contribute to the dialogue.

Future Milestones and Goals
Looking ahead, IAG Cargo has set several key milestones to further reduce emissions and waste. The company aims to achieve net-zero emissions across all scopes by 2050, in line with the broader IAG Group target. Additionally, IAG Cargo is targeting a 30% reduction in ground intensity emissions and a 25% reduction in waste from 2019 levels.

“We are committed to increasing our recycling rate to 80%,” Saeed highlights. These goals reflect ongoing efforts to minimize waste and enhance recycling practices across global operations.

The Broader Impact on the Industry
IAG Cargo’s sustainability efforts are widely recognized within the logistics industry, positioning the company as a leader in driving environmentally responsible practices. As the first airline group to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050 and pledge the use of SAF for 10% of fuel needs by 2030, IAG Cargo sets a precedent for the broader logistics and aviation sectors.

“This proactive approach inspires industry-wide progress,” Saeed emphasizes. By striving to be at the forefront of change, IAG Cargo not only strengthens its own sustainability credentials but also encourages others to adopt similar initiatives.

Advancing its sustainability goals
IAG Cargo’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, through innovative fuel transitions, strategic partnerships, and ambitious targets, positions it as a leader in the logistics industry. By setting high standards and fostering collaboration, IAG Cargo advances its sustainability goals and inspires broader industry progress towards a more eco-conscious future. Through these efforts, the company plays a crucial role in promoting change on a global scale, ensuring a sustainable future for the aviation industry.