Climate change and climate protection

Accounting for around one fifth of all carbon emissions in the European Union (EU), the transport sector is a major emitter of CO₂. Transport volumes have risen significantly over recent decades and further growth is forecast. This is often associated with higher carbon emissions as fossil fuels continue to be the main energy source for transport by truck and ship. Of these emissions, a comparatively low 2.9 % is attributable to seaborne transport, which accounts for over 90 % of the global trade in goods. As a result of their enormous capacity of up to 24,000 standard containers, container mega-ships offer the best carbon footprint per tonne of goods transported. Rail transport is considered the most environmentally advantageous mode of transport on land as it is highly energy efficient and can be made carbon neutral.

The real estate sector is the fourth-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in Germany, after the energy sector, the industrial sector and the transport sector. HHLA’s real estate portfolio primarily consists of properties in the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With regard to the energy-related enhancement of the Speicherstadt historical warehouse district, correspondingly high standards for landmarked buildings must be taken into consideration.