Carbon neutrality: Canada Post commits to cutting greenhouse gas emissions

Canada Post pledged Friday to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030, a first step in its goal of progressing toward carbon neutrality by 2050.

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“Canadians want us to address our responsibility to the country beyond the services we provide,” Sheryl Houder, senior vice president of corporate and sustainability at Canada Post, said in a statement.

“This responsibility comes with the need to address the grave risks that climate change poses to the environment, people and businesses in the country,” she continued.

Thus, the Postal Service wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 compared to its 2019 data, both in terms of its direct emissions and its emissions from the production of purchased electricity.

The company also confirmed that it will supply its facilities with electricity from fully renewable sources by 2030.

To meet its new commitment, Canada Post will renovate its buildings to make them more energy efficient and continue testing new electric vehicles.

The Canadian Federation of Postal Workers (CUPW) quickly responded to the announcement, saying that “the targets set by Canada Post are not ambitious enough”.

“Announcing such half-measures, after engaging in such a lengthy consultative process, gives us the impression that we have not been heard and leaves us in a state of dismay. Like any other crown company, Canada Post must lead by example in the fight against climate change,” he said. Dave Bleakney, CUPW’s 2nd National Vice President, said in a statement: “Its roadmap presents deadlines that are too far away and targets are too weak.”

“There is still plenty of time to review our greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets and to devote the effort that is really needed to such a review. Workers want it, and the federal government recognizes the need. All we need is Canada Post’s honest commitment,” said Blakeney.