Canada Post Takes Steps to Achieve Net Zero Emissions

Canada Post, the country's postal and parcel delivery service, outlined its primary pledges to minimise its environmental footprint and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Canada Post has set aside $1 billion to reduce emissions and modernise its fleet. Canada Post recognises its large footprint, including approximately 14,000 vehicles and 6,000 post offices across the country. The company plans to convert its fleet to zero-emission mobility by 2030 to reach a 50% electric fleet by 2040.

Doug Ettinger, President and CEO, said:

"We have a responsibility to Canadians, and to their children and grandchildren, to help lead the way to a more sustainable future. Canada Post has one of the biggest fleets in the country, over 68,000 employees, a significant real estate portfolio, and an extensive supply chain. The challenge ahead is great, and we know the greening of our transportation is critical. That’s why we’ve committed to net-zero operations and a fully electric fleet by 2040. I’d like to thank our bargaining agents for their continued engagement and collaboration on this important step forward for the company.”

Canada Post has pledged to cut scope 1 and scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2030 compared to current levels. The goal is to reach the Science Based Targets initiative's (SBTi) 1.5 °C pathway, keeping global warming to 1.5 °C over pre-industrial levels. The 2030 target will be submitted to the SBTi for approval and will put Canada Post on a road to net zero emissions by 2050.

Cheryl Hodder, Chief Sustainability and Legal Officer, said:

"Our climate commitments address Canada Post’s national operations from all angles. We’ll transform our fleet to electric, retrofit our buildings, build net-zero carbon buildings, and source renewable energy for our real estate and operations. We’ll collaborate with our suppliers, customers, partners and bargaining agents to meet our science-based target while encouraging others to reduce emissions and take action. These are important measures for all Canadians, and we will continue to keep them updated on our progress.”

Canada Post debuted its cutting-edge, net-zero parcel sorting facility in May, with the capacity to process over one million items every day. When it opens in early 2023, the Albert Jackson Processing Centre will be a crucial hub for the company's national network, improving service for Canadians.

The $470 million cutting-edge facilities in Scarborough, Ont., will assist Canada Post to meet the evolving needs of Canadians and businesses across the country. The facility is Canada's largest industrial project to be certified under the Zero Carbon Building Standard.

On Thursday, the firm displayed electric and low-emission vehicles, including those that it is testing, at a Canada Post terminal in Ottawa. The company is putting a low-speed vehicle through its paces on a postal route that runs west of downtown Ottawa.

The electric vehicle's tiny size allows it to reach top speeds of 40 kilometres per hour. For a year, it will be used for delivery and collecting activities to assess its operational effectiveness and determine the best safety standards.

Source: Canada Post

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