LEMAN Sustainability Report 2024
Introduction
Letter from the CEO
Dear Stakeholders,
As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with pride in the progress we have made on our sustainability journey. At LEMAN our core values—respect, quality, and commitment—are not just words. They are the foundation of everything we do, guiding how we serve our customers, partner with suppliers, and care for our planet.
This past year, we took a significant step forward by launching eco solutions across all transport modes—air, sea, and road. These solutions empower our customers to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining the efficiency and reliability they expect from us. Additionally, we have made great strides in aligning with the upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) regulations, ensuring our operations are ready to meet enhanced transparency and reporting requirements.
While we are proud of these achievements, we recognise that there is more work to be done. The freight forwarding industry faces unique challenges, from operating in low-margin markets to navigating rapidly evolving technology. These realities can make balancing environmental responsibility and operational excellence complex. However, we remain steadfast in our belief that even in the most challenging markets, we can make a meaningful difference by maximising the resources we have and innovating where it matters most.
Looking ahead, we are preparing to commit to Science-Based Targets in 2025 as part of our broader effort to align with global climate action goals. We will also continue to enhance our eco logistics solutions and strengthen our sustainable procurement program to ensure our partners share our values of respect and responsibility.
We understand that achieving these ambitions will require collaboration across the value chain—working alongside customers, investors, suppliers, and regulators to drive meaningful change. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and together, we can accelerate the shift toward a more sustainable future for the freight forwarding industry.
Thank you for your trust and partnership as we work towards a greener, more resilient world. Our journey is ongoing, but our commitment is unwavering. We invite you to join us as we innovate, adapt, and lead with purpose.
With gratitude,
René Bach Larsen, Group CEO
About LEMAN
LEMAN is a global logistics company specialising in comprehensive supply chain solutions across air, sea, road, and rail transport.
Established in Copenhagen in 1900, LEMAN has evolved into a trusted partner for businesses worldwide, delivering tailored logistics services that drive efficiency and reliability across industries.
Global but Still Local
Denmark
Greve (HQ)
Taulov
Aalborg
Aarhus
Nuuk (Greenland)
Finland
Vantaa
Turku
Iceland
Reykjavik
Sturtevant
Helsingborg
Gothenburg Stockholm
Vietnam
Ho
Gardermoen
Queretaro
Mexico
Gdańsk
Shanghai
Ningbo
Shenzhen
Qingdao
Tianjin
Beijing
Taipei, Taiwan
Switzerland
Pratteln
Pfungen
Basel
Weil am Rhein
Rheinfelden
Our Core Services and Global Reach
Our core business includes freight forwarding, warehousing, and supply chain management, offering end-to-end solutions that meet the dynamic needs of our customers.
With a strong global network and advanced logistics technology, we ensure seamless operations from origin to destination, providing customers with transparency, speed, and flexibility.
Industry Specialisation
LEMAN serves a wide range of industries, including Pharma Healthcare, Lifestyle, Fashion & Retail, Industrial Goods, and Technology. Our specialised services include temperature-controlled logistics for pharmaceuticals, oversized cargo handling for industrial equipment, and innovative solutions for e-commerce and retail supply chains.
Strategic Investments and Expansion Commitment to People and Well-Being
In 2023, LEMAN expanded its global footprint by opening new offices in Mexico, Vietnam, and Iceland and acquiring Swiss freight forwarder Nauta SA, adding six offices in Switzerland to our network. Additionally, we invested over 50 million DKK in new warehouse facilities in Taulov and a double-digit million amount in advanced IT systems to enhance both operational efficiency and customer experience.
LEMAN employs approximately 800 colleagues globally, focusing on well-being and retention through targeted strategies, including initiatives like paid sabbaticals to support our team’s personal and professional growth.
A Sustainable and Innovative Future
Looking ahead, LEMAN remains dedicated to innovation, customer satisfaction, and responsible business practices. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our development of Eco Solutions across all transport modes and our investment in initiatives that reduce our carbon footprint while enhancing operational excellence.
With over a century of experience, LEMAN continues to adapt and evolve, delivering logistics solutions that connect businesses and markets around the globe, driving growth and sustainability for our customers and partners.
Our Values Respect, Quality, and Commitment
At LEMAN, our values—respect, quality, and commitment—are the foundation of everything we do. They guide how we serve our customers, interact with our stakeholders, and approach the challenges and opportunities in the freight forwarding industry.
Respect lies at the heart of our relationships. We believe in fostering trust and fairness with our customers, suppliers, colleagues, and the communities where we operate. By respecting diverse perspectives and striving for meaningful collaboration, we create an environment where innovation and sustainability thrive.
Delivering quality is not just a priority—it is a promise. In every service we provide, we aim to uphold the highest standards of excellence, ensuring reliability and efficiency across air, sea, and road transport. For us, quality also means integrating sustainable practices into our operations, helping our customers reduce their environmental impact without compromising on performance.
Our commitment drives us to make a positive difference. Whether it is improving operational efficiency, introducing eco-friendly solutions, or aligning with global sustainability frameworks, we are dedicated to delivering value that goes beyond the bottom line. This commitment ensures that we are not only meeting today’s needs but also building a resilient future for our industry and stakeholders.
By embedding these values into our culture, we believe we can address the complexities of a fast-changing world while staying true to what matters most—respecting people, delivering excellence, and driving meaningful change.
Sustainability at a Glance
At LEMAN, sustainability is embedded in every aspect of our operations, reflecting our commitment to reducing environmental impact for both our company and our customers, supporting our people, and driving meaningful change in the freight forwarding industry. Here is an overview of our key sustainability performance for 2024, showcasing the progress we have made so far and the foundation we are building for the future.
Eco Solutions Launched:
Introduced eco-friendly logistics options across air, sea, and road transport, enabling customers to reduce their carbon footprint.
Carbon Emissions
5% Environmental Performance
Reduced overall carbon intensity by 5% compared to 2023, driven by route optimisation and the adoption of greener transport solutions.
Renewable Energy:
71.65%
Transitioned 71.65% of our operational energy consumption to renewable sources, with plans for further expansion.
Social Responsibility
Gender Diversity and Inclusion
23%
Achieved 23% diversity in top management roles, reinforcing our commitment to a respectful and inclusive workplace.
Strong female employee ratio
47%
47% of employees in LEMAN are women.
Future Commitment
No Corruption: Science-Based Targets:
Zero corruption cases reported in 2024.
CSRD Preparation: Governance
Made substantial progress in aligning with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), ensuring transparency and robust reporting practices.
Committing to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in 2025, aligning our emissions reduction initiatives with the latest climate science.
Sustainable Procurement:
Strengthening our procurement program to prioritise suppliers that share our values of respect, quality, and commitment to sustainability.
Preparation for CSRD Reporting
As part of our commitment to transparency and sustainability, LEMAN is actively preparing to align with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). CSRD introduces the principle of double materiality, which requires us to consider both the financial impact from different sustainability issues and the impact of our operations on the environment and society.
We have conducted a materiality assessment in collaboration with our key stakeholders to identify the sustainability issues that are most critical to our business. These include emission reductions, energy management, health and safety of our colleagues and workers throughout the value chain, and anti-corruption practices. Addressing these issues is crucial – not only to our long-term business performance but also to the positive impact we aspire to have on the environment and society.
To support our compliance with CSRD, we are in the early stages of developing robust reporting processes. We are currently fully on-board with carbon accounting to track and report emissions data and plan to implement specialised software platforms to assist with comprehensive CSRD reporting in the future.
By aligning with CSRD and addressing both dimensions of materiality, we aim to provide transparent and insightful reporting that reflects our sustainability efforts and acts as evidence for long-term value for our investors, customers, and stakeholders.
Even with the EU Omnibus proposal released in February 2025, which excludes LEMAN from the CSRD scope, we will continue to work with parts of CSRD where the impacts, opportunities or risks are so significant and important that we prioritise them regardless of the scope of the legislation.
Sustainability Strategy
Our Core Pillars
At LEMAN, sustainability is integral to our business. Our strategy is built around three key pillars: Carbon-Conscious, People-Centric, and Responsible Supply Chains, each designed to drive long-term value and positive environmental and social impact.
Carbon-Conscious: Leading Sustainable Logistics
People-Centric: Empowering Our Workforce
We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable logistics. In 2025, we will submit our Science-Based Targets (SBTi) to align our emission reductions with global climate goals.
Our efforts include adopting eco-friendly technologies, transitioning to alternative fuels, and optimising logistics networks to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. These initiatives help us meet customer demand for sustainable solutions while minimising environmental impact.
Our colleagues are key to our sustainability success. We proactively foster an inclusive workplace, offering continuous learning and career growth opportunities to support their development.
Additionally, we ensure that our socially responsible supply chain practices benefit workers at all levels, promoting fair labour standards and ethical treatment within our value chain.
Responsible Supply Chains: Ensuring Accountability
We are committed to building Responsible Supply Chains by conducting thorough due diligence on suppliers and ensuring accountability across our network.
Grounded in transparency and a spirit of collaboration, we work to improve the sustainability practices of our suppliers, ensuring they align with our environmental and social standards.
Future Goals: A Clear Vision Ahead
Looking forward, we will set ambitious science-based targets in 2025, focus on workforce development, and continue to enhance working conditions for our supply chain workers.
We will also expand our sustainable procurement programme to further reduce our environmental impact and promote responsible sourcing practices.
Committing to Sustainability at Every Step
At LEMAN, we are deeply committed to reducing our environmental impact and fostering sustainability across our global operations. Through transparent reporting, innovative eco-solutions, and responsible resource management, we are making meaningful strides toward achieving our long-term environmental goals.
Emission Numbers
Transparency and Progress
We understand that transparency is crucial in tracking our environmental progress. In 2024, our emissions totalled:
• Scope 1 (direct emissions): 302.75 tonnes CO2e
• Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased energy): 1,073 tonnes CO2e (location-based); 995.33 tonnes CO2e (market-based)
• Scope 3 (indirect emissions from upstream transport and supply chain activities): 177,757 tonnes CO2e
* Please note that we have restated our 2023 emissions baseline as we transitioned to a carbon accounting platform, resulting in more accurate data collection and calculation.
Scope 3 breakdown
• Purchased goods and services: 9,457.56 tCO2e
• Upstream transport: 166,240.68 tCO2e
• Employee commuting: 1,354.79 tCO2e
• Fuel- and Energy-Related Activities: 333.57 tCO2e
• Business Travel: 273.01 tCO2e
• Waste generated: 91.61 tCO2e
• End of life: 5.61 tCO2e
Our 2024 GHG Emissions
Compared to 2023, our total emissions in 2024 reduced by 5%, with a decrease across all three scopes. The bulk of our emissions comes from Scope 3 (over 99%), primarily from upstream transport, which is the focus of our ongoing efforts to mitigate our environmental footprint.
We are committed to improving these numbers through targeted actions, advanced technologies, and sustainable practices across our supply chain.
Renewable Energy Investments
Solar Panels in Denmark and Norway
As part of our commitment to renewable energy, we have begun investing in solar energy at our warehouses in Denmark and Norway. By installing solar panels, we aim to reduce our dependency on non-renewable energy sources, reduce our Scope 2 emissions, and lower the carbon footprint of our facilities. This investment is a key step in aligning our operations with sustainable energy practices and driving overall energy efficiency.
SBTi Target Setting Plan
To ensure we are on track with global climate goals, in 2025 we will be committing to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets will guide our emissions reduction efforts, aligning them with the latest climate science. Our SBTi targets will be an essential component of our strategy, ensuring that our emissions-reduction practices are both responsible and impactful.
Eco Solutions
Across Air, Sea and Road
We recognise the environmental challenges posed by global logistics and are focused on delivering eco-friendly solutions across all modes of transport—air, sea, and road. By offering Eco Air, Eco Sea, and Eco Road solutions, we provide our customers with more sustainable options for their supply chain needs.
These solutions include:
• Eco Air:
Optimising flight routes and transitioning to Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) to reduce air transport emissions. SAF can cut aviation emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil jet fuel and it is an option for our customers for on any route worldwide
• Eco Sea:
Through the use to Sustainable Marine Fuels (SMF) to reduce maritime emissions. SMF can reduce sea freight emissions by 75% compared to traditional bunker fuel and it is available to our customers on any route worldwide.
• Eco Road:
Moving towards electric and HV0100-fuelled (hydrotreated vegetable oil) vehicles, along with optimising road transport routes to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. HV0100 fuel can reduce road emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels and it is dependent on the infrastructure of each particular route. Within this option, LEMAN commits to finding the best possible solution for each specific route to accommodate this.
These solutions are integral to our efforts to reduce our overall carbon footprint and help our customers achieve their own sustainability goals.
Collaborations driving change
Partnerships are crucial in driving innovation and scaling sustainability solutions. We are proud of our collaborations with GoodShipping and SQUAKE. These partnerships are pivotal in developing and implementing eco-solutions that help reduce carbon emissions in the shipping and logistics sectors.
Through this partnership, we are actively working to reduce emissions from sea freight by utilising sustainable biofuels.
Since 2017, GoodShipping has been the pioneering leader in insetting for the shipping industry. They put the power of sustainable shipping into the hands of cargo owners and freight forwarders by providing the world’s first insetting service for both road and ocean freight, helping to reduce scope 3 emissions within the transport sector.
By working with SQUAKE, we are actively working to reduce emissions from air and sea freight by utilising sustainable aviation and sustainable marine biofuels.
Founded in 2020, SQUAKE is a sustainability-focused company dedicated to helping businesses measure and reduce emissions. Through their platform, SQUAKE provides tools to track and analyse emissions across various operations, including logistics, offering actionable insights to support companies in reaching their sustainability goals. With a focus on transparency and impact, SQUAKE empowers businesses to actively reduce their environmental footprint.
These collaborations represent our commitment to working with innovative partners who share our sustainability goals and help us scale impactful solutions.
Waste Management
Driving Circular Practices
At LEMAN, we are also committed to reducing waste and promoting circular practices. We have implemented waste management programs across all our warehouses, with a particular focus on recycling and reducing landfill waste.
This includes:
• Recycling: Sorting and recycling materials such as cardboard, plastic, and electronics.
• Circular Economy: Encouraging the reuse of packaging materials and promoting waste reduction throughout our operations.
These efforts contribute to reducing our environmental footprint from waste and align with our broader goal of creating a more sustainable and circular supply chain.
Social Empowering People and Promoting Wellbeing
At LEMAN, we believe that a sustainable business is built on a strong foundation of social responsibility. Our focus on Health and Safety, Diversity and Inclusion, Employee Well-Being, and Social Standards in the Supply Chain drives the creation of a positive and supportive work environment.
In an industry that moves the value chain, we at LEMAN consider the health and well-being of our colleagues our market differentiator. We are committed to not only meeting the needs of our colleagues but also fostering a culture that empowers every individual to thrive.
In 2024, there was no record of incidents violating human rights.
A Top Priority Health and Safety
The health and safety of our colleagues is imperative to our operations. We maintain a formal health and safety policy that outlines our commitment to providing a safe working environment. All our colleagues receive regular training per our policies to ensure they are well-prepared to handle any potential risks. Our premises operate with high standards of safety with some of them certified by ISO and similar certifications, ensuring we meet international standards for safety and operational excellence.
In 2024, we experienced 8 minor accidents (versus 11 in 2023); however, we always follow up to implement improvements and preventative actions. We continually monitor and review our safety protocols to minimise risks and strive for zero incidents. Our warehouse colleagues receive necessary training, and a larger pool of our colleagues receives regular first aid training. Additionally, we conduct regular fire drills at our offices to maintain preparedness in case of an emergency. Through these proactive measures, we strive to protect the well-being of our workforce and maintain a safe and secure environment for all.
Building an Inclusive Culture Diversity and Inclusion
An inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed is central at LEMAN. Diversity in cultures, approaches, and experiences has a direct result to our business: It expands our horizons, it keeps the organisation curious, and it broadens the spectrum of what is possible for our business. Our approach to diversity and inclusion includes targeted recruitment initiatives and employee resource groups. These efforts help us promote a culture of respect, fairness, innovation, and opportunity.
Currently, 47% of our workforce identifies as female, and 23% of top management roles are held by women. These achievements reflect our dedication to increasing representation and ensuring diverse perspectives are valued at all levels of the organisation. The more embracing we are of our people, the better we can embrace a large and diverse pool of customers. As we continue our diversity efforts, we remain focused on fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates and harnesses the strength of our differences.
Employee Well-Being
Supporting a Balanced Work Life
We recognise that the well-being of our colleagues is vital to their happiness and also their professional success. That is why we offer flexible work hours to help our team members achieve a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, our maternity and paternity leave policies are designed to support families and ensure that our colleagues can care for their loved ones during important life events.
We also provide paid sabbatical programs, giving people the opportunity to recharge and pursue personal or professional goals. Our efforts to keep our people engaged are further reinforced through monthly feedback and temperature checks, which are structured to assess job satisfaction, well-being, and overall engagement. The Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) globally for 2024 was 15%, with almost 40% of the workforce classified as Promoters. Our global Engagement Score for 2024 ranked at 7.5, showing relative stability over the year. This short feedback loop enables us to quickly address concerns, adapt to people's needs, and continuously improve our workplace environment.
Through these initiatives, we aim to create an atmosphere where our people feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to the success of our company and their career.
Tricia’s Sabbatical at LEMAN
As the Operations Account Manager at LEMAN’s New York City office, I was uncertain about taking a month off, especially with so much happening at work. I had reservations about having too much free time and confronting personal challenges. Last year was particularly tough after my mom’s sudden passing at the beginning of 2023. For most of last year, I avoided downtime to cope with my loss, staying busy with work, activities, and my sons’ soccer club.
In January 2024, I had to face my emotions head-on. During my sabbatical time , I spent more time with extended family, shared experiences with friends, and connected with new people.
I also participated in community outreach, such as food banks, which I wouldn’t have considered due to a lack of time. This shift in focus helped me gain perspective and realise the importance of being aware of what’s around me.
My sabbatical allowed me to reset, even if only for a couple of weeks. It made me focus less on myself and more on the community. Returning to work in the first week of February, I felt a much clearer head and a better outlook. This invaluable time off allowed me to return with renewed energy and purpose, ready to tackle new challenges with a fresh perspective.
Social Standards in the Supply Chain
Supporting Our Partners
We recognise that our commitment to social responsibility extends beyond our internal operations to our entire supply chain. With LEMAN’s Business Partner Code of Conduct, we actively work with our suppliers to ensure that they adhere to the same high standards of social responsibility, including fair labour practices, health and safety standards, and anti-corruption measures. Our business partners have the same accessibility to LEMAN’s whistleblower platform, where they can anonymously report incidents.
Our due diligence process includes regular assessments of our high-risk suppliers' practices, with a particular focus on ensuring that they provide safe working conditions, uphold workers' rights, and promote fair wages. By fostering transparency and accountability throughout our supply chain, we ensure that all partners uphold the values that are fundamental to our business.
Through these efforts, we aim to create a positive and lasting impact across our supply chain, supporting our partners in adopting and maintaining high social standards.
Governance Upholding Strong Ethical Standards & Transparency
At LEMAN, governance is a cornerstone of our operations. We believe that strong, transparent, and responsible governance not only contributes to business success but also builds trust with our colleagues, customers, suppliers, and investors. Our commitment to upholding the highest standards of business conduct and ethics, providing clear grievance mechanisms, ensuring data protection and privacy, and fostering a sustainable supply chain forms the foundation of our governance strategy.
Business Conduct and Ethics
We are dedicated to maintaining the highest ethical standards in all aspects of our operations. To support this, we have updated two key ethical guidelines:
• People Code of Conduct for our colleagues, which outlines the expected standards of behaviour and accountability in day-to-day operations.
• Business Partner Code of Conduct, which is mandatory for our suppliers and outlines our expectations on issues such as transparency, integrity, and fair dealings.
These Codes of Conduct cover critical areas including bribery and corruption, facilitation payments, gifts, hospitality, and entertainment, and conflict of interest. Our approach ensures that all parties involved in our business transactions uphold the highest standards of integrity and compliance, thereby reducing risks and promoting long-term trust. In 2024, we had no confirmed corruption incidents.
* We have no confirmed corruption incidents in 2024
Grievance Mechanism
We believe in providing a safe and transparent environment for all colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders to raise concerns or grievances. To this end, we have implemented a formal grievance mechanism that is easily accessible on our website. This process ensures that all individuals, whether internal or external, have a channel through which they can report any concerns without fear of retaliation.
Our grievance mechanism includes an anonymous reporting system, allowing individuals to voice their issues confidentially. Each concern is taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and resolved in a timely manner, ensuring that all stakeholders are heard and treated with fairness and respect.
In 2024 we received 1 whistleblower report and after investigation, we found no fraud and the case was closed.
Data and Privacy
The security and privacy of personal, customer, and supplier data are of utmost importance to us. All of our colleagues are trained to handle data with the highest level of care, ensuring compliance with applicable data protection laws and regulations, including the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
To safeguard this data, we implement robust security measures, including strong passwords, encryption, and secure access controls. These practices ensure that sensitive information is protected from unauthorised access, helping to maintain the trust of our stakeholders while adhering to legal and ethical data management standards.
Sustainable Supply Chain
We understand that our sustainability goals extend beyond our own operations and must be reflected throughout our supply chain. To ensure that all partners meet our standards of environmental, social, and ethical responsibility, we have established a Business Partner Code of Conduct. This code sets clear expectations for our suppliers, covering areas such as fair labour practices, environmental impact, and ethical conduct. Regular LEMAN suppliers must sign our Business Partner Code of Conduct.
We conduct regular assessments of high-risk suppliers, ensuring they adhere to our sustainability criteria and identifying opportunities for improvement. Additionally, we support our suppliers by offering initiatives such as rest and wellness facilities and sanitation stations for truck drivers delivering goods to our warehouses. This small but impactful action helps improve the working conditions for our partners and supports the well-being of those who drive our supply chain operations.
By working collaboratively with our suppliers, we strive to create a sustainable supply chain that not only meets our high standards but also contributes to positive social and environmental outcomes.
“We build our business on respect - for each other, for our customers and for the world around us.”