Belgian Post aims to cut its CO2 emissions by an ambitious 35% within the next three years under acooperation agreement with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the country’s government.
As part of a three-year agreement signed earlier this month, Belgian Post has launched ‘GreenPost’, a package of measures to reduce its environmental impact with the support of WWF Belgium.The environmental organisation will provide expertise in helping the post to develop projects andin making employees and customers more sensitive to environmental needs.
In particular, the Belgian postal group wants to reduce its electricity consumption by 7.5%by 2012. It has already only been using ‘green electricity’ since last year and has installed anumber of solar panels on various buildings. Moreover, its five largest sorting centres, whichhandled some 3.7 billion letters and parcels a year, have received ISO 14001 certification forsustainability.
Other measures include ‘eco-driving’ training for mail and parcels delivery staff, theacquisition of electrically-powered bicycles and vans, and a switch to 100% recycled paper by theend of this year. In addition, Belgian Post will support a WWF Belgium reforestation project in theDemocratic Republic of Congo.
Belgian Post CEO Johnny Thijs declared: “Environmental protection is one of the cornerstonesof our commitment to act as a sustainable company. We guarantee to our customers that their lettersand parcels will be delivered under conditions that respect the environment.”
Damien Vincent, director general of WWF Belgium, commented: “WWF is delighted that BelgianPost has made such strong commitments and that it will take on a pioneering role in Belgium. Wehope that many other companies will follow suit in the near future.”
Inge Vervotte, minister for public enterprises, added: “Today we are all aware of theenormous impact of climate change. We must take further initiatives to reverse the situation.Public enterprises work in a market environment, yet they can not lose sight of their social andecological commitment. Therefore I am very pleased that Belgian Post has taken this initiative andhope it will set an example for many other companies.”
