Australia Post surpasses its emissions targets

Australia Post has cut its carbon emissions by 20%, surpassing its target, and transitioned to 100% renewable electricity at operational sites, as part of the delivery of its 2025 Sustainability Roadmap.

Launched in 2022, the three-year roadmap set clear goals to cut emissions, shift to renewable electricity and drive more sustainable practices across Australia Post’s operations.

As one of the first Commonwealth Government Business Enterprises to sign on to the Australian Government’s Net Zero by 2050 target, it has rolled out one of the country’s largest electric delivery fleets, transformed its energy use and invested heavily in communities right across Australia.

2025 Roadmap highlights achieved include:

• Carbon emissions reduced by 20% compared with FY19, surpassing the original target of 15%.
• Shifted to 100% renewable electricity across operational sites.
• Rolled out electric delivery fleets with 5000+ e-bikes, motorbikes and electric delivery vehicles (eDVs).
• Cut waste to landfill by 39% compared with FY19, nearly double the 20% goal.
• Lifted recycling to 73%, above the 70% target.
• Channelled more than $119 million into social enterprise and Indigenous suppliers, surpassing the $100 million goal.
• Delivered its 20 millionth Connection Postcard with Beyond Blue to support mental health.
• Strengthened sustainability, traceability and transparency across the supply chain.
   

Chief Sustainability Officer at Australia Post Richard Pittard said the 2025 Roadmap demonstrates the real progress Australia Post has made in reducing emissions, improving recycling and supporting communities.

“Our progress under the 2025 Sustainability Roadmap shows that meaningful change is possible when an organisation commits to it. It’s a strong start and a clear demonstration of what’s possible. But we also recognise there is much more to do,” Pittard said.

“Insights from delivering the 2025 roadmap will guide Australia Post in the next phase of our sustainability journey as it becomes even more critical to decarbonise our operations in line with available technology, embrace circularity and continue to deliver positive outcomes for our people, our communities and the planet.”

While 44% of Australia Post and StarTrack’s packaging currently meets the targets set out in the 2025 Sustainability Roadmap, Pittard commented that achieving full alignment will depend on large-scale resource recovery solutions and strong collaboration across supply chains and partners.

“We know we have more to do to reduce the impact of our packaging. We’re proud of our progress to date but recognise we have more to do. By working together, we can accelerate progress and deliver smarter, more circular solutions for customers and communities.”

The next phase of Australia Post’s sustainability framework will focus on decarbonisation across operations and supply chains; reducing impact through smarter packaging, waste reduction and reuse; and exploring how the organisation can enable Australia’s circular economy for customers and communities.

Image caption: Rooftop solar panels in Blacktown. Image supplied by Australia Post.