At this week’s Leaders Summit on Climate, the White House is convening 40 heads of state who are tackling the climate crisis head-on. The two-day virtual meeting will address reducing each market’s national emissions, helping the most vulnerable economies adapt to the impacts of climate change and urging increased public- and private-sector financing to drive net-zero transition.
One summit topic that’s near and dear to UPS is building industries of the future through transformational technologies that help reduce emissions and adapt to climate change.
In support of this goal, UPS is reimagining its network through an innovation-driven strategy that includes electric vehicles, cleaner-burning fuel and climate-conscious facilities.
Vehicles
UPS has more than 12,000 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles deployed worldwide, and is committed to expanding that fleet. Recently, it announced plans to purchase up to 10,000 electric vehicles from Arrival.
UPS also announced it will purchase more than 6,000 natural gas-powered trucks. This commitment represents a $450M investment in expanding the company’s alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.
Adding to its long-haul fleet, UPS will soon deploy 125 of Tesla’s new electric Class 8 tractors when they become available.
And for navigating congested urban areas around the world, the company is turning to electric-assisted cycles – the Fernhay eQuad and the Rytle eTrike. Both will be showcased at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Aircraft
Through its UPS Flight Forward subsidiary, UPS plans to purchase electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Beta Technologies (BETA). The aircraft has a 1,400-pound cargo capacity, a range of 250 miles and zero operating emissions.
UPS Flight Forward is scheduled to take delivery of its first 10 BETA eVTOL aircraft beginning in 2024.
Fuel
Renewable natural gas (RNG) is a waste-derived fuel also known as biomethane. It is up to 90% cleaner than conventional diesel and can power vehicles as well as buildings.
UPS recently made a commitment to purchase 250M gallon equivalents of RNG over the next several years, making the company the largest consumer of RNG in the transportation industry.
Warehouses
In 2020, UPS implemented the AutoStore automated storage and retrieval system at fulfillment warehouses in The Netherlands and Germany.
Using a grid of storage bins, robots and ports (pick and put-away stations), Autostore provides up to 400 percent more storage capacity in the same space versus a traditional warehouse. And 10 AutoStore robots use the same amount of energy as a single vacuum cleaner.
These are just a few of the solutions UPS is deploying to reduce emissions and combat climate change. The company is proud to join global public, private and civil-sector leaders in supporting the Climate Summit and advancing meaningful environmental initiatives.
As an innovation-driven organization guided by a strong purpose, UPS delivers what matters. Check out other social impact stories below.