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London e-bike operator HumanForest has published the first edition of its annual sustainability report.
The report measures the impact of its service on the environment and communities, as well as setting targets to reduce its carbon footprint.
It also outlines the company’s framework for further action and improvement across three main pillars: planet, people and communities.
HumanForest says it is the first micromobility company to have zero-emission operations, using only electric vehicles, charged with certified renewable energy, to service its fleet.
As part of its ambition to be “the most affordable and sustainable micromobility company”, the operator has given away 11 million minutes riding for free to Londoners.
Laura Elms, head of sustainability at HumanForest, said: “This is the first HumanForest sustainability report to be published and marks the beginning of our journey to expand and improve on our already strong sustainability credentials.
“There is no silver bullet for how a company can tick all boxes with regards to the people, planet and communities it impacts. However, I strongly believe that every company should be analysing their business operations, recording their impact and setting achievable targets. It’s also vitally important to us that our targets are projected for the near future, rather than far into the future.
“This keeps us on track for genuine sustainability progress. We hope this report helps reassure users and the wider community that we are genuinely seeking to be a responsible local business whilst also inspiring others to make improvements wherever possible.”
By creating the company from scratch, it has avoided emitting any Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
On a per kilometre basis, HumanForest e-bikes produce 30.9g of CO2 in Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions driven by production and transportation to London.
Last year, HumanForest moved the assembly of its e-bikes to Europe and the company is aiming to ensure all of its suppliers sign its supplier code of conduct.
HumanForest is also working towards being able to recycle and repurpose 90% of e-bike parts.
Currently, 60% is recycled with a target to reach 75% by September 2024.
End of life batteries solutions are being explored with partners with the intention to use them for off peak power storage.
Agustin Guilisasti, founder and CEO of HumanForest, said: “Moved by the environmental degradation I witnessed during a trip to the Amazon RainForest in 2018, HumanForest was born. We bridge the gap between sustainability and affordability, providing a transport solution that will help facilitate a change in transport behaviours to improve air quality in cities.
“The Mayor of London, most recently through the expansion of the Ultra Low Emission Zone and the scrappage scheme, and local authorities, have made excellent progress in a short time to create the infrastructure and regulation that is conducive to a shift toward sustainable, shared modes of travel, much needed to clear our air.”
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Since the company launched in September 2021, the average ride time has increased from 15 minutes to 32 minutes as HumanForest grows its Borough network enabling the service to be used for commuting.
Nearly three quarters of the company’s trips take place during peak commuting times.
Since its launch in London 18 months ago, HumanForest has created more than 70 jobs, with 36% of the company’s leadership team being women and 29% from diverse backgrounds.
