Canada Post will now ship all Domestic Regular Parcel and Expedited Parcel ground shipments and flat rate boxes carbon-neutrally.
For every metric ton of greenhouse gas emissions generated by these domestic ground delivery services, Canada Post will make them carbon-neutral by removing one metric ton from the atmosphere through the purchase of high-quality, accredited carbon offsets. Using Canada Post’s “Find a rate” tool, small businesses and consumers can also see the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their deliveries and choose shipping options that best meet their needs and preferences. There will be no additional fee for carbon-neutral shipping.
For its offset projects, Canada Post will prioritize Indigenous-owned or led, nature-based offset projects in Canada. Canada Post is supporting the Great Bear Forest Carbon Project, which protects forests from logging, conserves and grows existing carbon stocks, and reduces emissions caused by harvesting, road building and other forestry operations. The project is wholly owned by an alliance of First Nations, creating jobs for the future while protecting the Great Bear Rainforest. These carbon offset purchases are recognized by the BC Carbon Registry under the Forest Carbon Offset Protocol, and verified by an independent third party to ensure carbon removal is real, permanent and additional. Carbon offsets for carbon-neutral shipping do not contribute to the corporation’s emission reduction targets.
This initiative forms part of Canada Post’s work toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company’s commitments and climate initiatives include climate targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which include cutting operational emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions across the corporation’s value chain by 2050. The company is also working toward the electrification of its fleet of 14,000 vehicles by 2040 (and 50% electrification by 2030).
Alongside this, Canada Post is adding net-zero facilities, retrofits and energy-efficiency upgrades to ensure a greener real estate portfolio. The postal operator is also purchasing renewable energy in Canada’s highest-emitting provinces and working with energy suppliers to bring new renewable energy projects online. Furthermore, it is reducing emissions throughout Canada Post’s value chain and working with suppliers and subsidiaries to establish science-based emission targets by 2025.
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