Heppner, a creator of transport and logistics solutions and an independent leader in international haulage, is investing 15 million euros in more sustainable transport. Engaged since 2010, Heppner is now accelerating its energy transition
A signatory of the “Objectif CO2” charter since 2010, Heppner joined the “EVcom” pilot group, a voluntary commitment programme for freight forwarders to reduce their environmental impact, in 2019. Heppner has reduced its carbon emissions by 12% in 9 years.
In order to continue moving forward, the group has undertaken to convert 50% of its vehicle fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG) by 2025, with half of these vehicles coming on stream by April 2021. For the next 10 years, the group has chosen CNG as its main fuel source, while also continuing to implement other alternative solutions to diesel fuel, such as battery power, Bio CNG different ‘soft’ forms of transport such as delivery cargo bikes and it is keeping an eye on the opportunities that hydrogen may bring to transport in the future.
Establish a network of private CNG filling stations and support its partners and agents in their energy transition
An essential link in the development of CNG the network of filling stations is growing but is still insufficient for nationwide deployment of CNG vehicles. Indeed, with varying traffic ban calendars implemented by the Low Emission Zones (4 LEZ already exist in France and 5 new LEZ will be put in place by mid-2021 by local authorities who are using this scheme created by the Mobility Orientation Law (LOM) to limit access by the most heavily polluting vehicles), some parts of France still have no CNG stations.
Hence Heppner’s decision to create its own network of filling stations. In March 2021, it will open its first filling station within Le Mans agency. Future stations are currently under study with the goal of providing more complete coverage. With this new territorial and environmental undertaking, Heppner will be in a position to optimise its service continuity by complementing the public network of filling stations to guarantee gas supply.
Heppner is already providing support for its agents in their energy transition, with deployment of its awareness-raising and mentoring programme. Now, to continue moving forward in line with its Core Value to “Foster entrepreneurial initiative” among its stakeholders, Heppner will also offer them dedicated access to its stations. As these are public stations, the prices negotiated by the group will also benefit the group’s stakeholders: contractors, haulage firms and national or regional partners.
“Today we are accelerating our energy transition by structuring the different initiatives we have been working on for the last few years and engaging our entire ecosystem with our philosophy. Our decision to invest in this approach is in response to new demands from our customers and from society in general. I am convinced that tomorrow’s most successful companies will also be the companies that perform most responsibly”, said Heppner’s Chief Executive Officer, Jean-Thomas Schmitt.
