Zero-emission operations
Our distribution networks support deliveries by conveying mail across the country and beyond and account for the largest part of our emissions profile. We are working to reduce our transport and estate emissions by:
- Operating more zero-emission vehicles and using biofuels (10 million litres of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil in 2023-24)
- Redesigning our parcel pipeline to be more efficient and responsive to parcel volumes.
- Removing air freight in favour of road transportation where feasible.
- Focusing on energy performance, controls and behaviours.
Our Steps to Zero journey
How Royal Mail are delivering a sustainable future
We continue to deliver on our Steps to Zero strategy to maintain our position as the UK’s greenest delivery option* for letters and parcels, while recognising the need to go further and faster in our mission to decarbonise our business and drive wider change.
We are working hard to reduce the emissions of our operations and supply chain. Building on our network of on-foot deliveries, we are rolling out electric vans, deploying biofuels in our trucks and using renewable energy to power our buildings to help reduce our emissions even further. We are also collaborating with our suppliers and peers to reduce our Scope 3 emissions and embracing circularity to reduce waste generation and water use.
*Based on average gCO2e emissions per parcel delivered by UK parcel operators, as published by Citizens Advice 2023 Parcels League Table.
We operate the UK’s largest electric van delivery fleet, with around 5,000 electric vans.
Royal Mail is the UK’s greenest* delivery option for letters and parcels based on average gCO2e emissions per parcel delivered by UK parcel operators, as published by Citizens Advice 2023 Parcels League Table. Our ‘feet on the street’ delivery model is unique to Royal Mail and significantly contributes to keeping our emissions low compared to those of other operators. Maintaining and enhancing this model is an important part of our zero-emission deliveries strategy.
Please take a look at our ESG Report 2023-24pdf, 9.36 MB.