3. 3.1.2 Strategy The logistics sector is an essential link in the global economy, but it must lessen its reliance on fossil fuels and reduce its environmental impact both upstream and downstream of its value chain. The availability of low-carbon technologies, the presence of refueling infrastructure and the ability of players to engage suppliers in the transition will determine the speed at which the industry can transform. It is therefore an entire ecosystem that needs to embark on an industrial revolution, based on common plans and roadmaps with short-, medium- and long-term timeframes. This is a considerable challenge, as the fl ow of goods continues to grow, driven notably by the rapid growth in e-commerce. The decarbonization of its business and its commitment to a GHG emissions reduction trajectory in line with the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5°C, will require GEODIS to continue transitioning and adapting its business model through fi ve decarbonization levers: ● optimized management of transport fl ows; ● optimal combination of transport modes; ● optimization of resources (transport loading rates and warehouse density); ● improved energy effi ciency of vehicles and buildings; ● use of low-carbon technologies and energies. These challenges also constitute opportunities for the Group, through its contribution to the decarbonization of its customers’ value chains, access to new markets (the development of the circular economy and renewable energies) and the reduction of energy costs. Policy The Group has drawn up and published a climate and environment policy. It is currently being rolled out across all its regions and lines of business. It is based on the following commitments: ● climate: reducing the Group’s carbon footprint on a sciencebased trajectory, in accordance with the Paris Agreement, and adapting to the effects of climate change; ● pollution: preventing and reducing polluting emissions and nuisances to attenuate the impact on populations and ecosystems at risk; ● circular economy: optimizing the use of resources through a “reduce, reuse, recycle” approach, both in the operations and in the services offered to customers. The Group also applies ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 standards (environmental and energy management) to incorporate climate change into its processes and reduce its industrial, environmental and pollution risks. 3.1.3 Climate change mitigation Aligning its business model with a low-carbon trajectory is essential to continue operating in an environment subject to strong regulatory constraints and pressure from customers, consumers and, more generally, civil society. A failure to address this issue as a matter of priority would represent a major fi nancial risk for GEODIS in terms of revenue development, sustainability and reputation. Transition risks GEODIS has identifi ed regulatory changes, technological developments and the loss of business as signifi cant transition risks that could undermine the resilience of its business model. Regulatory risks Following the example of the European “Fit for 55” legislative package, many countries and regions are tightening their requirements imposing stricter regulations, primarily in the form of technical standards, quotas or taxes. In France, for example, the tertiary sector decree stipulates a reduction in energy consumption in tertiary sector buildings larger than 1,000 sqm. In the European Union, the FuelEU regulation for maritime transport and RefuelEU regulation for aviation require companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, chiefl y by increasing the use of sustainable fuels. It is imperative for the Group to anticipate regulations to continue to operate. Noncompliance with current environmental standards could incur signifi cant costs, with an impact on fi nancial performance and a substantial tax bill. To anticipate these risks, the Group maintains an active regulatory watch in the countries where it operates. The potential impact of new regulations is assessed and factored into the Group’s operational and fi nancial roadmap for the coming years. Technological risks The adaptation of GEODIS’s business model is based in part on new technologies. If the suppliers and managers of lowcarbon technologies – manufacturers, infrastructure operators, renewable energy providers – did not provide the necessary resources at an affordable cost, GEODIS would not be able to achieve its goals. To stay ahead of these risks, the Group forms strategic partnerships with key suppliers and partners, takes part in industry initiatives and progressively applies these technologies. GEODIS is an active member of the European Clean Trucking Alliance, for instance, which advocates more stringent regulations on CO2 standards for trucks and the development of electric charging infrastructure. It is vital for the entire transport ecosystem to take concerted action to move away from fossil fuels. The Group is working to achieve this by developing alternative energies (biofuels and electricity) for its fl eets and providing support for its subcontractors. 2024 ACTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT - 43 EDITORIAL > 1. GROUP PROFILE > 2. GENERAL INFORMATION > 3. ENVIRONMENT > 4. SOCIAL > 5. ETHICS > 6. ANNEXES
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzMxNTcx