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Acting and innovating to reduce emissions

In order to reduce the impact, Heppner invests in the most effective solutions to measure and manage its activities and to propose solutions: changes in the energy mix of its fleet, development of new urban mobility solutions, etc. As part of its progress approach, the Group is committed to transparency and cooperation with all its stakeholders throughout its value chain.

Index AMeasuring and monitoring carbon emissions BUpgrade the vehicle fleet CImagining new solutions

A.Measuring and monitoring carbon emissions

Equipping ourselves with the most effective tools and measuring our impact is the first essential step in a strategy to reduce carbon emissions. This is the process in which Heppner has been engaged since 2010 as part of its membership of the ADEME’s CO₂objective charter by carrying out reduction actions in 4 areas: vehicles, driving, transport optimisation and fuel.

CO₂EcoTransIT: promote the lowest emission solutions

Heppner is committed to its customers to:

measure₂emissions related to its transport services and make them available in real time at any time on the Heppner portal.
advise them in their choice of lower emission solutions.

In 2021, Heppner acquired the EcoTransIT solution, the world’s most widely used software for the integral calculation of transport chains (calculation of energy consumption, GHG emissions, air pollution agents). In line with current standards, this solution will be available to the group’s customers in the first half of 2022 and will make it possible to enhance the value of the alternative, lower-emission fleets that the group is deploying.

Solutions to reduce our emissions such as cargo tricycles.

CARBON DISCLOSURE PROJECT (CDP) reporting): Heppner listens to customer needs

In partnership with L’Oréal – which was already using the CDP framework – Heppner conducted its first assessment on this framework in 2019. This international organisation aggregates data – shared with and accessible by all – on the environmental performance of more than 12,000 companies and cities around the world (+30% by 2020). Contributors are given a score that allows them to situate themselves in their sector and encourages them to implement measures that have a positive impact on climate, biodiversity and water. Heppner moved from a D (2020) to a C (2021) rating, an outperformance of the sector average.

Results and areas for improvement CDP:

Heppner moved from a D (2020) to a C (2021) rating, an outperformance of the sector average.

Project in progress: refine the granularity of its carbon footprint accounting with

the integration of its subsidiaries
greater detail by activity (courier, chartering, OVS)
Measure reduction actions more accurately with the new EcoTransIT tracking tool.
the future implementation of a carbon offset and capture programme

B.Upgrade the vehicle fleet

Today, parcel transport and delivery are at the centre of sometimes contradictory societal issues. Indeed, the sector is a major emitter of CO₂and is increasingly in demand with the boom in e-commerce and home deliveries. In order to meet the challenges of climate change and regulatory developments, the Heppner Group has begun a thorough review of its fleet, in which it is committed to working with its stakeholders.

The choice of CNG and other less emitting transport modes

Gas has been selected as a transitional energy in the European taxonomy, which confirms the choice Heppner made when it decided to invest massively in the renewal of its vehicles with this fuel in its energy transition programme. However, although this energy has been chosen as the main alternative to reduce the carbon emissions of its vehicle fleet, the Heppner Group sees the future of transport in a diversified way, both in terms of the energy mix and the modes of transport. In order to address these complex issues – for which the answers must be considered both in the medium and longer term, in a posture of active monitoring – the Heppner Group has created an energy transition department.

What is the purpose of the European taxonomy?

Established in 2020, the European taxonomy designates a classification of economic activities that have a favourable impact on the environment. Its objective is to direct investments towards “green” activities, which since February 2022 include gas and nuclear power.

CNG deployment continued in 2021

71 new generation CNG trucks make up 28% of Heppner’s clean fleet
21 agencies involved in France
a saving of 270 T of CO₂/year

After one year of feedback, the results are convincing:

there is no impact on the safety of vehicles and drivers
working conditions (QWL) are improved in the cabin, with cleaner air and less noise, which drivers appreciate
the choice of CNG is favoured by our customers with whom we organise specific tours

The advantages of CNG

10% less CO₂ emissions

compared to Euro 6 diesel today

up to – 80% with bio-CNG

renewable energy from methanisation

95% less

fine particle emissions

CNG engines

60% quieter than diesel

Heppner is committed to the long term

By the end of 2022

38% of the fleet will run on CNG

€15M

are invested in this fleet conversion

Goal

50% of the fleet in CNG by 2025

The unfavourable economic climate for energy prices – and in particular for CNG – does not alter the Group’s commitment to this energy source, which contributes to its decarbonisation plan. In 2022, Heppner will further accelerate the conversion of its fleet and the investments necessary to develop the share of bio-CNG.

The Group supports the biogas industry

Heppner has plans to install refuelling stations to ensure local refuelling, as is already the case with the semi-private station in Le Mans. The Group currently consumes 5% of bio-CNG (gas produced from biomass methanisation) but wants to significantly increase this share because bio-CNG is part of the circular economy and recovers agricultural or agri-food waste that would otherwise be burnt or incinerated. However, the French and European biogas sector must develop to meet consumption needs. That is why Heppner is participating in a working group with the European Commission to increase the biogas production targets in Europe. The Group is also active in innovative projects that will contribute to the development of this sector and ensure its long-term supply.

Why did Heppner choose CNG?

Noémie Feldbauer Director of Energy Transition

What are the advantages of CNG?

CNG allows a -20% reduction in CO₂ emissions of compared to Diesel Euro 6. With the development of the Bio CNG sector – renewable energy from waste methanisation – the reduction of CO₂ emissions could reach 80%. Today, 5 to 10% of the gas in the network is already supplied by biogas. From now on, and whatever the share of biogas, CNG has major environmental benefits, as it reduces fine particle emissions by 95% compared to diesel and CNG engines are 60% quieter than diesel engines.

From a fiscal point of view, CNG is a transitional energy – supported by the EU’s decision to include gas in the European taxonomy – and will thus benefit from advantages in the TICPE (domestic consumption tax on energy products) that diesel will gradually lose.

What are the limits of CNG?

Range is a limit, as the vehicles need to refuel twice as often as internal combustion engines: every 400 km instead of 800 km with diesel. This is a constraint that we have integrated into our organisation. The other cyclical limitation is the increase in the price of gas, but this is relative insofar as all energy prices have increased. In order to overcome this – and to reduce our emissions as well – we have complementary strategies, such as eco-driving, which we train all our drivers in.

How do Heppner's customers react to this choice?

The reception is very positive, we have customers who are committing 100% of their routes to our CNG vehicles. This has a positive impact on their own carbon footprint. Offering these low-carbon solutions is an undeniable asset in calls for tender.

What are the prospects for CNG development at Heppner?

We are convinced that the energy and ecological transition is based on the diversification of solutions, making it possible to offer the most appropriate response to each need encountered. In 2022, we will continue to switch to CNG for part of our fleet that needs to be renewed, which will represent 38% of our fleet at the end of the year and 50% by 2025.

What other modes of transportation are in the Heppner energy mix now and will be in the next 3 years?

CNG is suitable for ranges of under 400 km and in urban areas in particular, where population density has led the legislator to limit emissions. For the last urban kilometre, it is complemented by soft mobility solutions such as cargo tricycles, electric or hybrid vehicles. As for diesel, it remains the energy for long distances. For the moment, there is no viable solution, neither economically nor ecologically, to replace it. Today, some biofuels are being tested at Heppner and we intend to develop this fuel if the test appears to be successful. We are, of course, following the progress of hydrogen, which should emerge in the longer term.

The Energy Transition Pact: support subcontractors in the conversion of their fleet in a win-win approach

In order to engage its partners in the process of renewing their vehicles, Heppner has formalised an Energy Transition Pact. Concluded between the Group and its partners, this 5-year partnership (minimum) helps small and medium-sized companies in the transport sector to convert their fleet thanks to:

negotiated rates for the purchase and rental of new CNG vehicles from IVECO or for refuelling in public or private stations from gas suppliers.
support for their financing file with 2 partner banks
the guarantee of cooperation with Heppner for the duration of the partnership, a guarantee of trust that illustrates the group’s raison d’être: “Foster the Enterprising Spirit”

The Energy Transition Department monitors regulatory changes in the vicinity of each of its branches, as well as available grants and subsidies. A cost-benefit simulation tool has been developed so that local agencies can support their subcontractors in their investment project.

Heppner is close to its partners in their energy transition.

Results and Objectives

In 2021

77 routes were converted to CNG

The objective for 2022

is to convert 65 new routes to CNG

C.Imagining new solutions

Heppner constantly monitors each of its branches to respond to local issues, particularly urban regulatory issues (LEZ) where soft mobility solutions are emerging (cargo tricycles, electric vehicles). More generally, when it is not yet possible to do without fossil fuels, particularly in long-distance transport, solutions that reduce fuel consumption – eco-driving, material optimisation – are implemented. The sales teams in the field are also involved in raising customers’ awareness of GHG emission issues.

Cargo tricycles and electric vehicles: a trend from the West!

It is in Brittany that the trial was carried out successfully for the first time. In order to meet a customer’s request in the centre of Rennes to deliver in soft mobility at any time of day, Heppner launched a first tour with the Cargo Tricycles from the West in 2017. To cover the whole of Rennes, this offer was completed in 2020 by electric vehicles that can deliver 200 kg at a time (parcels or pallets). The use of the Cargo Tricycles from the West has increased the tonnage transported by 20% compared to 2020.

Franchise of “Les Triporteurs de l’Ouest” (Cargo Tricycles from the West), “Les Triporteurs Lyonnais” (Cargo Tricycles from Lyon) have been travelling around in Lyon since autumn 2021, with a volume of goods of one heavy truck delivered in CNG: a virtuous supply chain from start to finish! The Rhône Alpes region, which is very concerned by the LEZ, has continued along this path with a recent deployment in Grenoble and Saint Etienne.

Chiffres clés

12 cities

served by Triporteurs (cargo tricycles), 4 more than in 2020

3 additional cities

under study for 2022

Multimodal transport: an environmental interest

Because it helps relieve road congestion and noise and has a smaller environmental footprint, multimodal freight transport has many advantages. The use of river barges and freight trains allows for a significant reduction in transport GHGs compared to “all road”.

In 2021, 18,000 tonnes were transported using multimodal transport.

Eco-driving, a good practice to reduce CO₂

This eco-driving training aims to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10% and also to reduce stress and the risk of accidents for drivers.

2022: launch of training plans in Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.
Goal:
- By the end of 2022, 72% of drivers in France will be trained
- 100% of drivers trained by 2023 in France

Study of the impact of tyre pressure

The Group’s Energy Transition Department, in partnership with test regions, has initiated a study on the impact of tyre pressure on fuel consumption. The initial results are favourable and the group is considering the deployment of a more extensive plan for regular monitoring.

Make CO₂ an indicator of customer choice

This is a trend that emerged in 2021: Heppner’s customers have become more vigilant about their own CO2 emissions. Similarly, the group’s sales teams are careful to raise awareness and educate them, because a well-chosen solution is a source of CO2 savings. It is therefore a reflex to be acquired by all, which can be translated into a less GHG-emitting proposal of a direct flight rather than two connecting flights – with a slight additional cost – for example.

Other subjects covered in this pillar Environmental

1.2

Optimise energy consumption

1.3

Reduce the impact on resources and preserve biodiversity