A greener way
Last June the “Green Line-Forests of Correos” programme won the Corporate Social Responsibility awards at the World Mail Awards 2013. Post & Parcel spoke to José María Elías, Secretary of the Board and Secretary General at Correos, who received the prize in Madrid, to find out what the prize meant to the company. Can you explain what the Green Line programme is?
Launched in 1999 it is an initiative which finances restoration projects in deforested areas in Spain with the sale of envelopes, boxes and packaging made from ecological materials which are recyclable and environmentally friendly.
Marketing material on the side of the products informs customers that a portion of the funds obtained from the sale of the ecological products will go towards tree planting. This in turn raises awareness about the importance of buying ecological products.
Thanks to the funds gained through the sale of these green products, Correos has financed the planting of forests in deforested areas and areas that have suffered a catastrophe in recent years as a result of fires or earthquakes. The programme also contributes to these area’s conservation and the protection of the ecosystems that are at risk.
What makes the programme unique?
It is unique because it brings together so many different people. Firstly employees across all departments worked together to launch the project. Secondly we have worked with the Foundation “Earth Forest” and currently with the charity WWF to choose the location of the forests and develop reforestation plans. Thirdly the actual tree-planting initiative involves postal workers who came together thanks to our corporative volunteers initiative “Correos Solidarity” and finally this is truly a project belonging to the whole of society. It is people who make this possible through the use of environmentally-friendly packaging in post offices and we are all citizens who benefit thanks to the restoration of the natural environment.
How did you feel when you found out you had won the award?
It was a great moment! Correos developed the “Green Line-Forests of Correos” programme over 10 years. More than a dozen forests have been re-planted thanks to this initiative and over 60,000 trees have been planted in various areas of the country. This award recognises the postal industry’s hard work and the Project which has become one of the pillars of the Corporate Social Responsibility policy of our great company. I sincerely feel very proud.
Did the award lead to any new business opportunities?
Winning an award at the World Mail Awards has a huge impact on the way other companies perceive you and this has been particularly positive for the companies recognised for being committed to society, like Correos.
Why would you recommend people go along to the World Mail Awards 2014?
The World Mail Awards are the ideal setting to evaluate projects implemented by the other postal operators around the world. Participating in these awards provides the opportunity to share the dynamism of postal operators and highlights the industry’s eagerness to adapt to society and industry challenges as they arise.
Nominations for the awards will be open until the 28th February. To enter the awards visit the World Mail Awards website – www.mailawards.com
