Swiss Post to invest in greener energy and transport

Swiss Post has revealed plans to fit solar panels to 20 of its buildings and replace its fleet of 7,500 scooters with all-electric versions. The Post said the “pro clima” programme would help meet its goal of cutting carbon emissions by 15,000 tonnes by 2013.

Other measures planned include deploying 140 delivery vehicles running on biomethane, a further 10 hybrid Postbuses added to the fleet and a new “Eco-Drive” training initiative to train drivers on energy-saving driving practices.

Solar power

Swiss Post already uses hydropower and wind power as part of its energy mix, but now intends to inves CHF 39m in new solar power systems.

The installations on 20 buildings will cover 26,000 square metres of roof space on letter and parcel centres and Swiss Post Group headquarters in Wankdorf City.

Swiss Post said it has been improving the energy efficiency of its buildings for many years, cutting energy consumption in the process by up to 20%.

The solar power investment will see the company generating 4% of its own electricity from sunlight.

Vehicles

Swiss Post said under its vehicle plans, all its scooters will be 100% electric by 2016 “at the latest”.

The plan will begin by replacing scooters as and when they need it with electric versions. Used for letter deliveries, the new scooters will make very little noise, consume “significantly” less energy than petrol engines and run “practically emission-free” by using electricity from renewable sources.

Elsewhere in its fleet, Swiss Post will be converting 140 of its gas-powered delivery and business vehicles to use biogas – biomethane produced from renewable sources.

Swiss Post will purchase 10 more hybrid Postbuses for its passenger transport division, whcih can cut diesel consumption by 20-30%.

The company believes its “Eco-Drive” traning programme, teaching its drivers certain ways to improve mileage, such as less aggressive acceleration and braking, will help it cut fuel consumption by 3%.

Swiss Post said all of its environmental efforts were being managed under one umbrella, the “pro clima” programme. A special “pro clima” label will be displayed on all vehicles powered by environmentally friendly means, while carbon neutral shipping options will also be offered under the “pro clima – Shipment” label.