3. ENVIRONMENT Number of alternative energy vehicles in the GEODIS fl eet (1) 2023 2024 2022 238 463 356 Since 2022, the number of alternative energy vehicles in the GEODIS fl eet has almost doubled. Both B100 and HVO offer advantages in terms of reducing certain pollutants such as SOx, PM and NMHC. However, the impact on NOx emissions differs according to the type of biofuel. According to scientifi c studies(2 ), the use of B100 could increase NOx emissions compared with diesel, while conversely the use of HVO could reduce them. This situation shows that the positive correlation between decarbonization and air pollution reduction is not automatic, particularly for B100. This is why it is necessary to develop targets and specifi c monitoring for air pollution. Results ● The Group had already met its target of supplying 40 French cities using alternative-energy vehicles by the end of 2024. 2025 objective: deliveries in 100 French cities using a lowemission fl eet (electric fl eet, cargo bikes). ● The GEODIS fl eet now includes 10% alternative vehicles. ● 97% of vehicles comply with EURO 5 or EURO 6 standards (reduction of nitrogen oxides and fi ne particles) in Europe, or are electric vehicles, contributing to better air quality. Low-emission urban deliveries expand in France GEODIS has introduced a low-carbon delivery system for city centers in partnership with Urban Logistic Solutions (ULS). The Group has set up cycle logistics solutions in ten French cities, including Le Havre, Strasbourg and Montpellier. • In Lille, the Group has set up a new 5,000 sqm logistics platform at the river port, just 3 km from the city center, specifi cally for urban deliveries. Goods are sorted and then delivered to local residents and retailers. Two daily delivery rounds are carried out with low-carbon vehicles (biogas-powered trucks and light vehicles) and cargo bikes; • In Lyon, GEODIS supplies retailers and residents living on the peninsula by using a barge with a push boat, in combination with a cycle logistics service. Advanced applications track vehicle movements in real time, optimizing routes and last-mile deliveries; • In Chartres, GEODIS’s logistics solution was chosen by the city council to make deliveries by electric vehicle to 500 shops in the pedestrianized city center, as well as to handle e-commerce deliveries, which represent 176,000 deliveries every year, rising at a rate of 10% a year. 3.2.1 Microplastics Issues and impacts According to ADEME (the French Agency for Ecological Transition), tire use is the second largest source of primary microplastics in the oceans, after synthetic textiles. Tire wear generates microplastics(3 ) that mainly end up in surface water (as sediment) and in soils. This is an important issue, as the European Union intends to reduce the pollution of microplastics released into the environment by 30% between 2016 and 2030. However, there is currently no standardization or regulation governing abrasion particle emissions from brakes or tires, and no technological solutions have been validated to reduce them. Action plan GEODIS fully recognizes the environmental challenges associated with its business as a road transport operator. The Group closely monitors this issue and expects its tire suppliers to step up their impact studies, measurement tools and technologies to reduce rolling resistance and abrasion. (1) Vehicles (tractors, trucks, light commercial vehicles, and cargo bikes) running on alternative energies: electricity, biodiesel, HVO, B100, CNG, and LNG. (2) Sources: https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v14y2022i12p7324-d839317.html; https://assessments.epa.gov/biofuels/document/&deid%3D363940 (3) Plastic particles of less than 5 millimeters. 56 - 2024 ACTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
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