On June 9, Canada's postal service, Canada Post, announced a commitment to reduce its environmental footprint and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

According to a press release, Canada Post has earmarked $1 billion to cut emissions and transform its fleet. With nearly 14,000 vehicles and close to 6,000 post offices, its footprint is significant. Plans include transforming the fleet to non-emitting transportation vehicles, with a goal to to reach a 50% electric fleet by 2030 and 100% by 2040.

“We have a responsibility to Canadians, and to their children and grandchildren, to help lead the way to a more sustainable future,” said Doug Ettinger, president and CEO. “Canada Post has one of the biggest fleets in the country, over 68,000 employees, a significant real estate portfolio, and an extensive supply chain. The challenge ahead is great, and we know the greening of our transportation is critical. That’s why we’ve committed to net-zero operations and a fully electric fleet by 2040. I’d like to thank our bargaining agents for their continued engagement and collaboration on this important step forward for the company.”

According to the announcement, Canada Post has already committed to a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, measured against 2019 levels. The target is built to meet the 1.5°C pathway of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The 2030 target sets Canada Post on a path to net zero emissions by 2050 and will be submitted to the SBTi for approval.

Canada Post is also launching a pilot of a low-speed vehicle on a postal route covering neighborhoods near Ottawa. The compact electric vehicle reaches maximum speeds of 40 kilometers per hour. It will be used for delivery and collection activities for a year to evaluate its performance in operations and optimal safety procedures.

In May, Canada Post unveiled its net-zero parcel sorting facility that will have the capacity to process more than 1 million packages a day. The Albert Jackson Processing Centre will be a hub for the company’s national network when it officially opens in early 2023. The $470 million facility in Scarborough, Ontario is the largest industrial project in Canada with the Zero Carbon Building Standard designation.

This announcement comes just months after the USPS announced plans to convert a portion of its own fleet to electric delivery vehicles.