Our Approach to Sustainability

We believe that our Sustainability program, when combined with our core competencies in mail, express and logistics, our track record in innovation, and the talent and energy of our 285,000 employees in over 220 countries and territories, can contribute to solving many of the most pressing social and environmental challenges facing the world. This is how we accept our responsibilities for people and the environment.

At the same time, our adherence to the principles of Sustainability helps our business units to overcome these challenges; thereby ensuring the long-term survival of our business.

Our approach to sustainability is based on the 'triple-bottom line' concept (environment, social and economic aspects) derived from the United Nation's 1987 report on strategies for sustainable development, 'Our Common Future', which is also known as 'The Brundtland Report'. Our sustainability work program is based on these three aspects.

Our commitment to being a good corporate citizen is included in our Corporate Values, and in particular in Corporate Value VII which sets us the goal of accepting both our social and environmental responsibilities.

Based on Corporate Values VI and VII, "to act with integrity internally and externally" and "to accept social responsibilities", we have developed an internal Code of Conduct. This will be launched in summer 2006 as a binding document applicable to all DHL regions and units. The Code presents clear guidelines and rules that cover a broad range of situations and issues. It reflects our commitment to acting with integrity, responsibly, ethically and lawfully.

Our membership of the UN Global Compact, whose principles are reflected in our Code of Conduct, further anchors a sustainability-based approach in our organization.

If you want to know more about Sustainability in the Deutsche Post World Net Group, please visit the Group's Sustainability website