SAN FRANCISCO — Embark Trucks, Inc., a developer of autonomous technology for the trucking industry, announced on April 29 the release of its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance Report 2021.
The publication highlights ESG initiatives the company has undertaken in 2021, including a key focus area review that will serve as a baseline for future projects, according to a news release.
Embark is touting progress across each of the three ESG pillars:
Environmental Initiatives
Embark is working with fleet partners to help them comply with emissions standards like those announced in the EPA’s Clean Trucks Plan. In one study within the autonomous trucking industry to reduce emissions, Embark is running an electric vehicle drayage pilot with HP, Inc., which can reduce HP’s diesel emissions network-wide and create a more sustainable supply chain from end to end for shippers.
Social Initiatives
A primary focus of the company’s ESG mission is to spearhead increased safety on public roads. Already, Embark-powered trucks have driven 1 million real world miles without a Department of Transportation reportable safety incident. Embark’s collaboration with the Arizona Department of Transportation to improve highway work zone safety is targeted at reducing the 102,000 work zone related crashes reported in the U.S. in 2020, of which large trucks were responsible for 26% of fatal crashes.
Governance Initiatives
Embark has taken steps to create strong organizational accountability through the establishment of Independent Board Committees. The board is composed of highly experienced independent directors and has issued a robust Code of Business Ethics, among other initiatives. The company also re-emphasized its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), establishing a Company-level Objective & Key Result to prioritize DEI and promote diversity throughout the organization.
“The trucking industry is contending with a real need for change,” Alex Rodrigues, CEO of Embark, said. “Safety challenges, diesel emissions, and a persistent truck driver shortage caused by poor quality of life continue to add significant pressure to an already stressed industry. Making ESG a priority reinforces both Embark’s robust business strategy, and a more resilient trucking industry that is made safer, more sustainable, and better for workers. We believe our focus on the sustainability benefits of autonomous trucks will appeal to the significant and growing interest in ESG amongst the investment community.”
The 2021 ESG Report is Embark’s first published report of its kind and is designed to provide shareholders and stakeholders with a clear tool to track the company’s progress as it continues to achieve its ESG-related goals. The report has been reviewed and approved by the Nominating and Governance Committee of the Embark Board of Directors. To read the report and learn more about Embark’s approach to ESG, visit investors.embarktrucks.com/esg.
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
