DHL and HKUST unveil DHL Power Bike: staff exercises to power operations in new sustainable business milestone

• Collaboration between logistics and academic leaders creates innovative renewable energy initiative
• DHL offers staff opportunity to exercise and have fun at work while also reducing their carbon footprint
• New DHL GoGreen scholarship, worth HK$45,000, will support further Hong Kong research on environmental benefits

Hong Kong, 19 March 2013: DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), Asia’s No. 1 university, jointly unveiled in Hong Kong today the innovative DHL Power Bike, the first electricity-generating exercise bicycles for logistics operations use in Hong Kong. Developed in partnership with HKUST School of Engineering, the DHL Power Bike blends creativity and sport to provide a renewable source of energy as part of the company’s commitment to sustainable business, environmental conservation, conducive working environment, and education support.

Based on a modified spinning exercise bicycle with a power generator attached, the DHL Power Bike enables riders to exercise while generating power, storing energy in a reusable external battery, with output shown on handlebar-mounted monitors. The charged batteries will be used to recharge the electronic hand-held mobile scanners used by DHL couriers, providing a renewable, sustainable source of energy to handle customers’ express shipments with less carbon emissions. The DHL Power Bike creatively helps embed sustainability into business operations, using a fun and inspirational innovation to engage staff and students. It was made a reality through expert technical know-how provided by HKUST School of Engineering, a world-class, pioneering academic powerhouse.

A total of six DHL Power Bikes will be located at six DHL offices and facilities throughout Hong Kong, providing staff with the chance to use their energy and passion to improve their health and enjoy some exercise. The one-year trial scheme pioneered in Hong Kong will measure the impact of the project, with other DHL offices already showing interest in expanding the program if successful.

“At DHL Express we are proud to share the same spirit as cycling, emphasizing speed, passion and sustainability,” said Ken Lee, Head of Commercial, Asia Pacific and Managing Director, Hong Kong and Macau, DHL Express. “These common values inspired us to develop the DHL Power Bike to help us operate more responsibly. They allow our staff to exercise at work, helping them to get fit, reduce our carbon footprint and help power the business at the same time. Nearly 400 staff has already participated, contributing power to thousands of shipments. Motivated employees and sustainability for the future form an integral part of DHL’s growth strategy and we hope that this scheme will encourage further action among our staff and across broader society.”

Prof Roger Cheng, Associate Dean of Engineering, HKUST, said, “HKUST is very pleased to contribute to this sustainable innovation by using our expert knowledge and technical skills in engineering. Making DHL’s ingenious concept a reality has enabled us to take this spirit in new directions, as well as providing new opportunities for students through an upcoming scholarship program. This scheme offers a clear example of how the community can actively support the use of renewable energy sources, contribute to a low carbon Hong Kong and encourage others to do their part.”

The DHL Power Bike contributes to two of DHL’s corporate responsibility pillars – GoGreen and GoTeach. GoGreen is DHL’s ongoing drive to develop sustainable business operations. DHL Power Bike is the latest example of the company’s broader effort to reduce its environmental impact, following recent initiatives such as the introduction of hybrid trucks and the roll-out of DHL’s GOGREEN Carbon Neutral service for customers. DHL was the first global logistics company to introduce a CO2 efficiency target and offer a carbon neutral shipping service, by 2020, is committed to increasing energy efficiency by 30% based on 2007 levels.

In line with GoTeach, DHL’s second Corporate Responsibility pillar with a focus on education, the collaboration with HKUST facilitates a platform for the Asia leading university to apply its academic expertise into commercial practice and contribute to environmental protection. Furthermore, DHL will support a full year of tuition for one student through the new DHL GoGreen Scholarship, providing them with the opportunity to conduct further research into the benefits of sustainability in the workplace. To further support education, the DHL Student Express service provides an exclusive offer of a 25% (off) discount to students in Hong Kong on all international shipments.

DHL – The Logistics company for the world
DHL is the global market leader in the logistics industry and “The Logistics company for the world”. DHL commits its expertise in international express, air and ocean freight, road and rail transportation, contract logistics and international mail services to its customers. A global network composed of more than 220 countries and territories and about 275,000 employees worldwide offers customers superior service quality and local knowledge to satisfy their supply chain requirements. DHL accepts its social responsibility by supporting climate protection, disaster management and education.

DHL is part of Deutsche Post DHL. The Group generated revenue of 55 billion euros in 2012.

Enquiries

Diana Liu +852 2358 8982 egdiana@ust.hk

Tiffany Tang +852 2358 8045 egtiffany@ust.hk