The postal sector joins forces to manage its carbon footprint

PostEurop, a Restricted Union representing 48 European public postal operators, has teamed up with the UPU Sustainable Development Project Group to share the results of the work carried out within the framework of its greenhouse gas reduction programme.

A joint technical committee will be formed and tasked with establishing a series of measures to cut the CO2 emissions of the sector as a whole. This agreement between PostEurop and the UPU marks a milestone for the two organizations and fits within the broader framework of the partnership agreement for a more environmentally friendly postal sector concluded between the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the UPU in April 2008.

PostEurop’s Environment Working Group, which has launched a greenhouse gas reduction programme providing for a 10 pct reduction in greenhouse emissions by 2012, will share its best practices and initiatives in the areas of transport, building, product development and operator procurement policy. This agreement provides a basis for the actions of the technical committee.

Pierre MAWAS, Chairman of PostEurop’s Environment Working Group said: “A recognized CO2 measurement protocol is the first step of any effective carbon management policy. We strongly believe that collaboration on that level will show the commitment of the postal sector as a whole to take a common approach and integrate sustainability in the future of the business.”

Daniel LE GOFF, Stakeholder Relations Coordinator at the UPU, added: “Such a collaboration increases our chances of success in setting up the right carbon management programme for the postal sector as a whole. It also means that such important work can be carried out faster and more efficiently.”