Environmental responsibility

Canadians expect their postal service to play a leading role in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future, and it’s a responsibility we embrace.

-Doug Ettinger,

Canada Post President and CEO

We are creating a greener, more sustainable Canada Post

Climate action

We’ve earmarked $1 billion towards climate action and meeting our science-based target commitments:

  • 50% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 (from a 2019 base year).
  • Engaging 67% of our suppliers (by spend) and all of our subsidiaries in adopting science-based emission reduction targets by 2025.
  • Reaching net-zero GHG emissions across our value chain by 2050 (from a 2019 base year).
A white truck travels down a rural highway surrounded by dense and colourful trees in the fall. A white truck travels down a rural highway surrounded by dense and colourful trees in the fall.

Net-zero roadmap

Near-term target horizon
Long-term target horizon
Near-term target horizon
Near-term target horizon
 
 

2019

Baseline

 
 

2021

Canada Post sets the original well below 2°C science-based target (SBT)

 
 

2022

Canada Post sets 1.5°C SBT and commits to net-zero

 
 

2025

67% of suppliers (by spend) and all subsidiaries have set an SBT

Long-term target horizon
Long-term target horizon
 
 

2030

Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduced 50%

 
 

2040

Last-mile vehicle fleet 100% electric

 
 

2050

Net zero

Climate risks and opportunities

In addition to taking action to reduce our emissions, we also recognize the importance of assessing and acting on climate-related risks and opportunities to ensure long-term corporate sustainability and resilience. Details on how Canada Post manages climate-related risks and opportunities can be found in our 2022 Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) Report.

Other key environmental programs

Our Environmental Action Plan outlines our environmental targets and goals and the steps we’re taking to achieve them. From enabling employee action, to greener buildings and fleets, to zero-waste operations, we’re doing our part to deliver a more sustainable future for Canadians.

Employee action

We planted 68,000 trees in partnership with Tree Canada – one for every Canada Post employee. We‘re also providing up to $500,000 in grants annually for employee-led environmental projects.

Read our Environmental Action Plan

Sustainable delivery

We're committed to electrifying 100% of our last mile fleet by 2040. Additionally, all regular and expedited domestic ground delivery services are now carbon neutral. We purchase high-quality carbon credits to offset the emissions generated by shipping.

Read about sustainable delivery

Greening our buildings

We’re taking action to reduce emissions from our facilities. As part of our GHG reduction plan, we’re implementing energy-saving technology like LED lighting and solar panels and shifting from fossil fuels to electricity.

Learn more

Zero waste

We’re transforming our waste and recycling systems. Our goals are to divert 90% of our non-hazardous operational waste and 90% of all construction and demolition waste by 2030.

Learn more

Green packaging

We’re working with industry partners and retailers to reduce packaging waste throughout the mail stream, and expanding our offering of sustainable packaging and delivery solutions.

Learn more

Responsible procurement

We promote and uphold high standards in our supply chain by applying enhanced environmental and social criteria. This includes giving additional consideration to support Indigenous-owned suppliers.

Learn more

Case study: Albert Jackson Processing Centre

In 2023, we opened our first zero-carbon building and the largest industrial project in Canada to meet the Canada Building Council's Zero Carbon Building™ design standard.

Key sustainability features of the 585,000 square-foot building include:

  • Rooftop solar panels generating onsite renewable energy.
  • Highly efficient HVAC system and sensor lighting based on occupancy and daylight.
  • Electric vehicle charging stations for use by employees.
  • Skylights on the roof for natural light.
Tour the facility and see the sustainability details
Aerial view of the Albert Jackson Processing Centre in the winter

Green tips for consumers

Here are some practical ways to reduce your impact on the environment.

Here are some practical ways to reduce your impact on the environment.

Recycle your mail

Environment CanadaOpens in new tab reports that landfills account for about 20% of Canada’s methane gas emissions. Recycling can significantly reduce the amount of material deposited in landfills. Many municipalities have expanded the types of items being accepted for recycling, including windowed envelopes, magazines, glossy flyer paper and catalogues. Confidential documents can be shredded, then recycled.

Change your address when you move

Use Mail Forwarding when you move or temporarily relocate to a new address. Rest assured you won’t miss infrequent mailings such as tax slips, licences or health card renewals, and will avoid unnecessarily printing duplicate mail.

Reduce advertising mail

You can request to have your name removed from marketing lists that send unaddressed advertising mail.

Consumers’ Choice

Stop receiving unaddressed advertising mail delivered by Canada Post. You’ll still receive unaddressed advertising delivered by services other than Canada Post.