FedEx is making progress toward its "20 by 20" goal to reduce aircraft emissions intensity and increase vehicle efficiency 20 percent by 2020, when compared to a 2005 baseline.
As of 2009, FedEx had reduced aviation emissions intensity 8.33 percent, while vehicle efficiency has risen 14.1 percent, according to the firm's 2009 Global Citizenship Report (PDF).
In conjunction with Earth Day, April 22, FedEx is launching its EarthSmart initiative, which addresses sustainability in its business solutions offerings, internal workplace culture and community outreach, according to a press release.
For its customers, the EarthSmart Solutions program revolves around marketing FedEx's certifications and standards for services and assets, such as planes, trucks and facilities.
FedEx continues to be a major purchaser of renewable energy. The company exceeded its fiscal year 2008 goal of procuring 25,000 MWh of renewable energy credits. In FY 09, the company bought 34,216 MWh worth.
FedEx also has continued to install solar electric systems, which have a cumulative capacity of 3.92 MW, up from 1.5 MW in 2008.
FedEx has 329 hybrid delivery trucks in its fleet, up slightly from 317 in 2008. In 2005 the firm had 18 hybrid delivery trucks. Later this year, the firm will begin testing all-electric delivery trucks in California markets.
FedEx is in the process of replacing its fleet of MD-11F planes with wide-body 777F planes that carry more cargo and can fly farther before refueling. FedEx expects the switch to reduce fuel consumption 18 percent.
FedEx also is replacing its 727s with 757s, which it expects to cut fuel consumption 47 percent.
As part of its sustainability commitment, FedEx is completing the process of tracking its facility emissions. So far, 50 facilities have an ISO 14001 certification.
In other environmental metrics, FedEx is making progress.
It recycled 43.9 million pounds of materials in FY09, up from 17.6 million pounds in FY08.
In its packaging, about 70 percent recycled fiber is used.
At FedEx Office, about 75 percent of stock keeping units have recycled content.
In recent news, FedEx Office – formerly known as Kinko’s – decided to streamline its printing and copying infrastructure in an effort to gain economies of scale, as well as energy efficiency. By going with Canon’s imageRUNNER ADVANCE and imagePRESS devices, FedEx Office expects to get about 30 percent improved energy efficiency over previous models.