Canada Post says it will significantly cut its environmental footprint by transforming its fleet of nearly 14,000 vehicles to fully electric vehicles.
The corporation has earmarked $1 billion for the switchover which will see Canada Post reach a 50 per cent EV fleet by 2030 and 100 per cent by 2040.
“We have a responsibility to Canadians, and to their children and grandchildren, to help lead the way to a more sustainable future,” said Doug Ettinger, President and CEO. “Canada Post has one of the biggest fleets in the country, over 68,000 employees, a significant real estate portfolio, and an extensive supply chain. The challenge ahead is great, and we know the greening of our transportation is critical.”
Canada Post has committed to a 50 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, measured against 2019 levels. The target is built to meet the 1.5°C pathway of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The 2030 target sets Canada Post on a path to net zero emissions by 2050 and will be submitted to the SBTi for approval.
“Our climate commitments address Canada Post’s national operations from all angles. We’ll transform our fleet to electric, retrofit our buildings, build net-zero carbon buildings, and source renewable energy for our real estate and operations,” said Cheryl Hodder, Chief Sustainability and Legal Officer.
Hodder added “We’ll collaborate with our suppliers, customers, partners and bargaining agents to meet our science-based target, while encouraging others to reduce emissions and take action. These are important measures for all Canadians, and we will continue to keep them updated on our progress.”
In May, Canada Post unveiled the $470 million Albert Jackson Processing Centre in Scarborough, Ontario. It is a net-zero parcel sorting facility that will have the capacity to process more than one million packages a day. The facility will be a key hub for the company’s national network and Canada Post says it will improve service for Canadians when it officially opens in early 2023. The facility is the largest industrial project in Canada with the Zero Carbon Building Standard designation.
This month, at a Canada Post depot in Ottawa, the company showcased electric and low-emission vehicles, including some it is piloting. The Corporation is launching a trial of a low-speed vehicle on a postal route covering neighbourhoods west of downtown Ottawa. The compact electric vehicle reaches maximum speeds of 40 kilometres per hour and will be used for delivery and collection activities for a year to evaluate its performance in operations and optimal safety procedures.
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