Amazon India is redefining sustainability through its bold commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, aligning its global operations with the Climate Pledge. This transformative journey combines innovative partnerships, tailored solutions, and a relentless drive for environmental stewardship, positioning the company as a leader in sustainable logistics and operations.
Vision Rooted In Bold Goals
Amazon’s journey began with a bold vision to make its operations environmentally sustainable. Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India, said, “At Amazon, we believe in being firm on the vision, even if the details evolve. This clarity drove us to reimagine every aspect of our business to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.”
According to him, one of the first steps was addressing transportation, a major contributor to carbon emissions. In 2020, Amazon India set an ambitious target to deploy 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) across its network. Collaborating with both established players like Tata Motors, Ashok Leyland, and Mahindra, as well as start-ups such as Kinetic Green and Euler Motors, the company co-developed EV solutions tailored for e-commerce logistics. By leveraging form factors like one-tonne trucks, three-wheelers, and even mobility solutions for people with disabilities, the company achieved this goal a year ahead of schedule, he mentioned.
The latest addition to Amazon’s green fleet is a 32-foot electric vehicle, signalling its foray into electrifying larger intercity transport formats—historically challenging in the push for sustainability.
Game-Changing Partnership With Indian Railways
Amazon has also partnered with Indian Railways to integrate rail transport into its logistics operations. Initially leveraging passenger trains for parcel carriage, the company became the first e-commerce company to partner on the Dedicated Freight Corridor. Rail transport’s significantly lower carbon intensity compared to diesel trucking has helped it reduce costs and environmental impact. Today, a substantial percentage of its long-haul logistics is powered by rail, Singh pointed out.
These efforts align seamlessly with India’s growing infrastructure investments, such as multimodal hubs under the PM Gati Shakti scheme. Amazon’s collaboration with Indian Railways reiterates its focus on creating sustainable logistics solutions that benefit both the company and the broader industry, he said.
Tackling Water Scarcity, Achieving Water Positivity
Recognising India’s water scarcity crisis, the company has pledged to achieve water positivity across its direct operations by 2027. This goal involves two key strategies: improving water efficiency in its operations and restoring critical water bodies. Current projects include the restoration of two large lakes near Bangalore and Hyderabad, he mentioned.
With only 4% of the world’s freshwater resources serving 18% of the global population, the company’s initiatives promise to make a tangible impact on local communities while setting a benchmark for corporate water stewardship.
Scaling Renewable Energy, Reforestation Efforts
Amazon achieved 100% renewable energy sourcing for its operations in India by 2024, seven years ahead of its global target. This includes five industrial-scale wind and solar projects and extensive rooftop solar installations across its warehouses and delivery stations.
Under its $2 billion Climate Pledge Fund, the company has allocated $1 million for reforestation in India’s Western Ghats and is exploring investments in renewable energy start-ups globally, with a focus on innovative technologies, he said.
Collaborating To Build Greener Ecosystem
Amazon’s approach to sustainability emphasises collaboration. In Bangalore, the company has partnered with Mahindra Logistics and other Climate Pledge signatories to establish EV charging infrastructure that supports both employee transportation fleets and delivery vehicles.
In transportation, the company is experimenting with renewable diesel, cryogenic fuels, and green hydrogen to address hard-to-abate sectors like long-haul trucking. Pilot projects, such as a 30-foot electric truck currently under development, aim to scale innovative solutions for logistics and reduce carbon intensity across the board.
Supporting Drivers, Partners For EV Adoption
Amazon ensures the long-term viability of its electric fleet by supporting delivery associates and logistics partners through financing and lifecycle management programmes. These initiatives guarantee continuous utilisation of EVs, allowing partners to recoup their investments while benefiting from lower operating costs.
“For a four-wheel EV, operating costs are about 30% lower than diesel vehicles, but the savings only materialise with consistent utilisation. Our role is to ensure that business opportunities keep these vehicles operational, making the investment worthwhile for our partners,” Singh explained.
Amazon’s sustainability initiatives extend beyond logistics. From renewable energy projects and water positivity goals to reforestation efforts and partnerships with Indian Railways, the company is tackling environmental challenges with a multi-pronged approach.
By focusing on long-term, scalable solutions that integrate seamlessly into local ecosystems, Amazon is not only achieving its net-zero carbon vision but also contributing to India’s broader sustainability goals.
This journey reiterates the company’s belief that “success and scale bring broad responsibility.” With each initiative, it continues to prove the point that sustainability and business growth can go hand in hand, inspiring others to follow suit.
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