Betting on decarbonization not only improves processes and efficiency in logistics, it also allows for savings , although it faces challenges such as financing for the adoption of technologies that allow for the reduction of polluting emissions, indicated participating companies in the sector.
Manolo Reynaud, director of Sustainable Development and Public Policy at Walmart Mexico and Central America , commented that the company has the mission of being zero emissions by 2040 , for which it has carried out a series of actions such as incorporating technologies in new stores that reduce energy and water consumption, improve efficiency in logistics and in its processes.
“We have made a big bet on solar energy, after refrigerant gases and the use of electric energy, which is the second source of emissions, we could not reach our goal without renewable energies. We are supplied by a series of hydroelectric and wind farms that we have, but the bet is on solar energy,” he said during his participation in the panel The decarbonization of the Corporate and Industrial sector in Mexico, during Latam Mobility & Net Zero Mexico 2024.
Last year alone, they installed photovoltaic panels on more than 100 roofs, including their distribution centers , saving more than nine thousand tons of carbon dioxide.
Likewise, with regard to last mile transport, they are carrying out various actions, although “we are still in questions and doubts, but we have to continue evolving to go on a larger scale.”
Ricardo Nettel, director of QSE and Sustainability at Coca-Cola FEMSA , mentioned in this regard that they have been operating with electric vehicles since 2015, closing 2023 with 900 units between forklifts and trucks.
“When developing this type of business, we never prioritize the short or long term and we take stock, and it is this transition in which in the short term we begin to build with that industry and how we are going to evolve by making alliances,” he said.
He explained that one of his public goals is that all his operations, distribution centers and plants must use renewable energy by 2030 , and despite the challenges in 2023 they closed with 71% use of this type of sources, while in the third quarter it rose to 81 percent.
Gabriela de la Torre Ríos, head of Zero Emission Vehicles in LATAM at C40 Cities , said that the private initiative has well identified its decarbonization goals , “it has very well planned out where it wants to go and contribute.”
“These actions are an entry point to begin decarbonizing, but also to contribute to the fulfillment of these goals. The private sector in Latin America and mainly in Mexico has been helping and carrying out actions for the electrification of transportation, a very concrete action to do so throughout operations and the value chain,” he explained.
He considered that these actions of the private initiative have to do with innovation, with generating public-private alliances. Although he highlighted that one of the challenges is financing for the adoption of technologies that allow carrying out the transition and electrifying their operations.
Andres Friedman, CEO of Solfium , stated that using solar energy is the most profitable project for a company , since its return on investment occurs between two and three years later, including tax benefits.
“Those who do not seek these initiatives will be less efficient and competitive in the short and medium term,” he said.
For her part, María José Ramírez, CEO of SustentaBe, explained that decarbonization can be a challenge, but it must be seen as a long-term competitiveness and “green” profitability, since companies will not only mitigate risks but also improve efficiency in their processes, operations and costs.
“One of the biggest challenges is financing, the lack of infrastructure and access to appropriate technologies , and that is where the issue of collaboration and strategic alliances with clean energy providers comes in,” he said.
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