As part of DPD Estonia's air quality monitoring program, 32 laser sensors installed on the roofs of DPD vans collect air quality data during deliveries throughout Tallinn. In addition, stationary sensors have been installed on six Tallinn parcel lockers, collecting data continuously. The innovative laser-based sensors measure the most critical health-impacting factor, particularly fine particles (PM2.5), which are primarily generated by burning fuels and can be harmful when inhaled into the lungs or bloodstream, especially for individuals with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. The collected information allows city residents and authorities to identify specific sources of pollution and make informed decisions.
According to Remo Kirss, CEO of DPD Estonia, the air quality monitoring program launched in Tallinn is part of DPD's sustainable strategy, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by providing sustainable and environmentally friendly parcel delivery.
"The fundamental direction of our parent company Geopost is associated with sustainability and environmental friendliness. As a logistics company, we understand that as parcel volumes continue to increase, we must take new measures to make the sector greener. Therefore, we are constantly implementing ways to reduce CO2 emissions in DPD,"
explained Kirss.
He highlighted that DPD Estonia currently focuses on electric and hydrogen vehicles, and for long-haul journeys, they use biofuels such as biodiesel and biogas.
"With the air quality monitoring program, we are taking a step further to contribute to improving the urban environment. The measurement data obtained enables efficient planning and development of data-driven initiatives and proactive solutions for improving air quality,"
said Kirss.
Through the air quality monitoring project, all city residents have the opportunity to track air quality in their preferred areas of Tallinn using an interactive web map, allowing them to make decisions regarding their travel routes or choice of sports venues, for example. The project aims to draw the attention of authorities to problematic areas in order to enhance the lives of city residents, whether through the creation of green areas, urban traffic planning, or reducing urban speed.
The air quality monitoring project is part of Geopost, the parent company of DPD Estonia, and its pan-European responsible business program, which collects real-time air quality data in over 28 major European cities. Based on the collected data, DPD Estonia, in collaboration with municipal governments, research institutions, and stakeholder organizations, has already implemented various changes across Europe, such as converting problematic streets to one-way traffic or creating low-emission zones.
According to Hans Orru, a professor of environmental health at the University of Tartu, it is commendable that transportation companies are concerned about air quality and are thinking about how to improve it. Responsibility is a topic that should be on the agenda of every sustainable company. It is known that transportation is the largest source of air pollution in Tallinn.
"Our study, which was completed last year and funded by the Ministry of the Environment, revealed that due to transportation pollution, an average of 216 people in Tallinn die prematurely each year. In addition, various epidemiological studies show that on days with poorer air quality and the following two days, mortality in Tallinn increases due to acute cases. What makes this DPD study special is that air pollution is measured directly in the midst of traffic, not away from green areas. Daily, there are drivers in the midst of traffic, as well as pedestrians walking alongside them,"
said Orru.
For example, Paris has already taken DPD's measurement results into account in transportation planning and nudging residents' habits.
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About DPD Estonia
DPD Estonia is a leading provider of sustainable parcel delivery services and e-commerce solutions in Estonia and Europe, serving both private and business customers in Estonia with nearly 370 couriers and 265 vehicles (including 22 fully electric vans and 3 CNG vehicles). DPD Estonia and its parent company, Geopost, have received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as the first global parcel delivery company to set goals for reducing their carbon footprint in February 2023. They plan to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90 percent by 2040. Additionally, DPD Estonia provides employment for over 190 people. Currently, there are 260 DPD parcel lockers in Estonia. www.dpd.ee
