Royal Mail environment plan geared around carbon emissions for each parcel delivered
Royal Mail has launched a new environment plan which includes a long-term target to reduce its average carbon emissions for each parcel it delivers in the UK from 205gCO2e today to 50gCO2e.
The company has also brought forward its Net Zero target by 10 years to 2040 and is committing to reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2025/26 and Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030, from a 2020/1 base year.
Royal Mail says its four-pillar Steps to Zero plan recognises the urgency of addressing climate change, with each pillar featuring new commitments, including:
Net Zero deliveries: Rolling out more electric vans for final mile deliveries, with 5,500 vans by Spring 2023
Net Zero operations: 100% renewable electricity across the Royal Mail business, reducing reliance on domestic flights and increasing the use of rail
Making circular happen: Transforming operations to embrace the circular economy and helping customers do the same through its Parcel Collect service
Collaborating for action: Calling for standardised industry-wide reporting on CO2e per parcel so customers can make an informed decision, and collaborating with partners to speed up the roll out of electric and low emission vehicles across the UK
With respect to net zero deliveries Royal Mail says 13% of its overall emissions are from final mile deliveries and the goal is to reduce this to net zero. By Spring 2023, it will have over 5,500 electric vehicles and alongside the EV roll-out, it is investing £12.5m in charging infrastructure across the country in 2022/23.
It is also trialling new innovations for zero and reduced-emissions deliveries, including drones for remote locations, micro electric vehicles and a programme to optimise on-foot deliveries with a van delivering to a central point, serving a number of posties on foot.
Royal Mail says it is also trialling new innovations for zero and reduced-emissions deliveries, including drones for remote locations, micro electric vehicles and a programme to optimise on-foot deliveries with a van delivering to a central point, serving a number of posties on foot.
The plan also commits to reducing the number of domestic flights and increasing the amount of mail moved by rail.
Simon Thompson, Chief Executive Officer at Royal Mail, said, “Environment is the next battleground for businesses and we are determined to lead. Setting an ambitious target to reduce parcel emissions to 50 gCO2e demonstrates our commitment to driving change and minimising our impact on the environment.”
Royal Mail’s size, scale and reputation, he adds “means it can play a positive role leading and championing change. Royal Mail is committed to supporting and educating its customers, employees and communities to transition to net zero and drive industry change through innovative partnerships and collaborations.”
Thompson is also calling for industry-wide standardised reporting on CO2e per parcel for UK deliveries, so customers can make an informed decision. “Not all parcel delivery companies publish their per parcel emissions and there is no standardised method for measurement.”