5 Questions to Markus Deusing, CEO Alphabet International

With the new Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) coming in next year, it is key to know the status quo and to adapt to what is required. Markus Deusing, Chief Executive Officer at Alphabet International, talks about the importance of data upkeep, CO2 reduction and the first step every company must take: Knowing the baseline of the CO2 emissions of their fleets. Furthermore, he shares his insights in how sustainability and economic corporate decisions complement each other.

Markus, in your opinion, why is CO₂ measuring so important for a sustainable fleet?

The answer is quite simple, to be honest. Companies cannot achieve their overall sustainability targets without knowing their fleet emissions. However, some of the companies that participated in our study The European Fleet Emission Monitor (EFEM) have set concrete goals but do not yet have a suitable monitoring system in place. Those striving to reach their targets must have a firm grip on their numbers. And there’s no better way to keep tabs on their progress than through monitoring. And businesses have a responsibility to act towards reducing their carbon footprint – now more than ever.

Does sustainable driving necessarily mean EVs?

For the vast majority of fleet managers, it does, indeed. This is what we found with our survey. According to the findings, three quarters of those polled expect their fleets to be fully electrified in the future. But most of them still see some obstacles on the way. It’s a critical step towards achieving sustainability after all. I believe, however, that switching to EVs is not the only remedy. Yes, there is a strong belief in the technology, but along the way, there still are a lot of challenges such as charging infrastructure. What matters is a smart mix of mobility solutions. And once again, to be aware of the actual CO₂ emission value in the first place is key to reducing these.

Why does every business/fleet profit from tracking CO2?

Because it holds great potential for lowering their carbon footprint and, of course, they also help protect our environment. But to start making changes and reduce fleet emissions, they need to know their numbers. Knowing the numbers enables businesses to formulate plans on how to update their fleet, understand the specific pain points and needs of the fleet. I think, tracking CO2 emissions supports every company in positioning itself towards a sustainable future. Additionally, with around 12 million company vehicles being put on the road each year, businesses carry a significant responsibility for global CO2 emissions. As a leasing and mobility provider, we are fully aware of our responsibilities and are committed to using them to drive positive change – for ourselves, our customers and our environment.

What does ‘green mobility’ mean to you?

It means that companies can create a balance between economic efficiency and sustainability. How do they do that? Through informed decisions based on data. However, fleet planning is an excellent illustration of the difficulty in achieving a balance between economic efficiency and profitability while adhering to a sustainability-focused business model. In my opinion, it is very important to not only talk about change but also to aim for it ourselves. In doing so, I would wish to see a shift in mindset, because each of us can make a difference by taking small steps in our daily lives. For example, I have switched to driving an electric car, which I charge at every opportunity. Whether I’m at work or at home, I try to drive electric as much as possible. Also I have reduced my meat consumption and avoid travelling whenever possible to lower my carbon footprint. Every day, I strive to embody the principles that our company stands for, ensuring that the path to a sustainable future is one we walk together."

Lastly, in your opinion, can companies still afford to disregard sustainability?

Today, more than ever, businesses have a responsibility to act towards reducing their carbon footprint. So, I believe they can’t afford to disregard the topic. Sustainability has become a pressing concern for governments worldwide. And the importance of sustainable practices in the corporate world is growing. In addition, the deadline for compliance with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive draws closer. It is imperative for companies to take proactive measures to ensure they are well-prepared to meet these reporting requirements.

As Alphabet, we are committed to supporting our customers on this journey, which is why we have partnered with Plan A, the foremost platform for corporate carbon accounting. With our new monitoring tool, the Alphabet Carbon Manager, we are giving our customers access to a CO₂ tool that will help them achieve their sustainability goals as part of our holistic consultancy approach with Alphabet Emission Consulting.

To find out more about our cooperation with Plan A and the Alphabet Carbon Manager, have a look at the inaugural episode of #AlphabetOnAir, our brand-new video format where we are discussing the most important issues in the mobility industry:

🎬 Click here to watch the episode now

🎧 Prefer audio? This video is also available as a podcast on Podigee and other podcast players.