Logistics

RENEWABLE ENERGY IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Green authenticity is crucial. The most important thing is not to simply give lip service to sustainability but actually follow through with strategic action.

In this interview, Roman Mayer, CEO Swissterminal talks transparent and sustainable logistics and why opting for renewable energy is good for business, the economy and the planet

Can you please give a brief overview of Swissterminal’s operations?

At Swissterminal, we operate a leading integrated container terminal, port and hinterland service network. Our comprehensive logistics portfolio includes everything from container handling, storage and repair to warehousing and intermodal services. Across our five container terminals in Switzerland and our three inland ports in France, our dayto-day operations are quite diverse, focusing on solving our customers’ end-to-end supply chain needs.

Please give a brief overview of the hydropower project

As a company, our mission is to achieve net-zero emissions and we strive for clean operations to protect the climate. We set ourselves the target of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions in the short-term and as part of this we made the decision to operate our terminal sites in Switzerland exclusively with renewable energy. Today, all of the energy used at our terminals in Switzerland is generated 100% from Swiss hydropower and has a CO2 factor of 0 kg/GJ.

How does the supply of hydropower work to the terminals?

We have developed a strategy that enables us to purchase the electricity on the market ourselves. In this way, we can ensure what we are using is 100% green.

What are the benefits of hydropower both in terms of the bottom line and reducing carbon emissions?

Opting for renewable energy is good for business, the economy and the planet. Through buying green hydropower, we completely eliminate our indirect greenhouse gas emissions from electricity purchases. At the same time, we are preparing our company for rising energy prices and CO2 costs. As a family business, we think in generation, and we believe it is our duty to preserve our planet and its resources for the next generation.

Why did you choose hydropower specifically above other renewable energy?

Switzerland is endowed with extraordinary conditions for hydropower and as a resul, it is our country’s most important domestic source of renewable energy. In fact, around 60% of electricity produced in Switzerland already comes from hydropower. As a Swiss company, choosing hydropower was a sensible, eco-friendly and forwardlooking choice. Q Does Swissterminal already use or intend to use other renewable energies in future? A As we continue to take strides towards our goal of net-zero emissions, we are constantly evaluating new opportunities. Our hydropower agreement is a very important step for our company, but we recognise we must go even further. We are already involved in some promising projects and hope to be able to communicate additional progress soon.

8 All of the energy

used at its terminals in Switzerland is generated 100% from Swiss hydropower

8 Roman Mayer, CEO Swissterminal

Photo Swissterminal

What other green projects is Swissterminal working on?

In addition to reducing our company’s climate impact, we are very focused on offering services that help customers shrink own their environmental footprints and build an overall more sustainable logistics market. We continue to work on intelligent solutions that make it possible for our customers to switch from road to rail. In the coming year, we will be working to introduce more and more attractive, environmentally friendly intermodal connections.

Can you give us a brief update on the barge service set up in November 2020? How is the service performing in terms if emissions reduction?

Our barge service now links our terminals BaselKleinhuenigen and Basel-Birsfelden in Switzerland, as well as Ottmarsheim in France with deep sea terminals in the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp. This service offers the most environmentally friendly inland connection between these regions and the ports, with less emissions than road or even rail.

Where does Swissterminal see itself in terms on green strategy in say five years’ time?

Looking five years ahead, I think there is a real chance for our company to generate significant value from sustainability. To create this sustainability success story, the most important thing is getting all employees on board with finding ways to reduce emissions, both big and small. Each and every employee can contribute something.

To raise awareness on the importance of this issue in our company, we have decided to strictly follow ISO 14001 guidelines. The members of our management board are leading the way as role models and in the years to come, sustainable thinking will be part of every team member’s day-to-day work life in some way. Because when we come together, green innovation happens!

QCan you give impart any words of wisdom or advice to other operations? A Green authenticity is crucial. The most important thing is not to simply give lip service to sustainability but actually follow through with strategic action. Start by assessing what sustainability means to your company, industry and clients in order to establish concrete objectives. From here, think in actionable steps. By thinking from purpose to performance, you can create a more sustainable, successful business.

8 Swissterminal’s

barge service links its Basel and French terminals with deep sea terminals in Rotterdam and Antwerp

8 Swissterminal

creates intelligent solutions that make it possible for its customers to switch from road to rail