The UK arm of parcel delivery firm DPD is to host a virtual panel discussion exploring the challenges of clean air in cities. It says the event will aim to address the urgent need for better air quality in urban environments by sharing the latest research from DPD and other industry leaders, alongside a discussion with a panel of experts.
The panel discussion will be hosted by BBC Radio 5 Live’s Rachel Burden and include: Dr Francis Pope, Professor of atmospheric science, University of Birmingham; Oliver Lord, head of policy and campaigns, Environmental Defense Fund; Geraint Davies MP, chair of APPG – Air Pollution; Olly Craughan, head of CSR, DPD; and Tom Byrne, head of sustainability, ASOS.
DPD notes that it already has over 700 EVs on the road in the UK, and in October 2020, it announced plans to deliver to 25 of the largest towns and cities in the UK using zero- and low-emission delivery means by 2025.
Dwain McDonald, DPD’s CEO, commented, “At DPD, we’re working hard to become the greenest delivery company on the planet. We’ve taken some giant steps already in terms of our investment in green vehicles, our work developing smarter urban delivery systems and in developing more sustainable solutions for our energy use, packaging and waste. We’ve also been very vocal about the barriers holding us and other enlightened operators back.
“As a result, we want to continue to increase the debate around some of these issues and shine a spotlight on the best practice in the field of sustainability. This event aims to explore some of the steps being taken to improve air quality, both by DPD and others in the public and private sector. We have gathered a great line-up of speakers, who will outline the innovative methods their organizations are employing to track air quality and what must still be done to improve it.
“Our hope is that this event will help inform the wider debate, forge new working relationships and hopefully help drive further innovation that can move us all closer to solving the challenges of creating cleaner cities.”
The event, which is free to attend and open to all, will take place between 11am and 12:30pm (GMT) on February 25. To register, go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8716049249904/WN_IlsqoVyOSFiLf6vN3CUWvg