Chronopost cuts Toulouse delivery emissions by 58 pct
Chronopost, La Poste’s express delivery operator, said it reduced greenhouse gas emissions in Toulouse by 58 pct in 2006 thanks to using environmentally-friendly delivery vehicles.
The express company said that 70 pct of its customers recognized the importance of using “clean” vehicles for environmental protection, and 54% of them were prepared to accept additional delays in deliveries for the sake of the environment.
The company’s “Espace de Livraison Urbaine” (ELU), a special collection and delivery operation for the southern French city, went into operation in 2005. From a 280 msq base close to Toulouse airport, Chronopost operates six morning and four afternoon delivery rounds. City-centre distribution is carried out with six environmentally-friendly vehicles, including three electrically-powered vans and two natural gas-operated vehicles.
Moreover, the reduction in distances traveled during delivery rounds had improved social conditions for workers, and was economically viable since savings in time and energy offset the additional investment, Chronopost noted. A similar scheme is in operation in Paris, the express company added.
