Carbon neutral delivery explained – putting the balance back into the planet

It’s no secret that carbon emissions are one of the main causes of pollution and climate change. At Australia Post, we are committed to treading softly and minimising our environmental footprint on the planet. In fact, we are one of the largest Australian businesses with a validated ‘science based target’: to reduce Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 15 percent by 2025.

Reducing our emissions can’t happen overnight unfortunately! Whilst we are transforming our business for a better tomorrow, we didn’t want this to get in the way of offering our customers carbon neutral parcel delivery today.

So what exactly does carbon neutral mean? How do we make sure that the parcels arriving at your door get a green tick, and why is it so important that we do our bit?

What does carbon neutral delivery mean?

Although it’s easy not to think about it, whenever we send or receive a parcel or piece of post, it has a carbon footprint. This is the amount of carbon dioxide that is pumped into the atmosphere throughout that parcel’s journey. From the moment you choose your packaging, to popping it in the Street Posting box, to it arriving at someone’s door, the carbon clock is ticking. There’s the amount of carbon used creating the packaging, in the processing of the parcel at the Post Office, and then when it’s sent and delivered – whether it catches a ride by car, truck, train or plane.

To send a parcel carbon neutral is a matter of simple maths. The amount of carbon used to send the parcel needs to be reduced and balanced to the point of net zero. So how do we do this? Although not quite as easy as it sounds, there are two ways we meet this challenge head on:

Reductions in emissions

One of the ways that we are making it possible to lessen the environmental impact of parcels deliveries is by reducing our emissions. As part of our wider commitment to put the planet first and build a sustainable future, we have set ourselves the exciting target of reducing our carbon emissions by 15 percent by 2025.

Some of the ways we are successfully clawing back the emissions are by growing our electric delivery fleet, investing in renewable energy, and using sustainable packaging such as our recycled plastic satchels (made from 80 percent recycled plastic). The more we are able to decarbonise our operations the less we need to offset.

Carbon offsetting

For any remaining carbon emissions that haven’t been reduced can be offset. In partnership with Qantas Future Planet – Australia’s leading corporate carbon offset program, parcel postage paid via the Post Office, Online Shop, or MyPost Business account is carbon neutral.¹

So, for parcel postage paid via the Post Office, Online Shop, or MyPost Business account, we purchase the equivalent carbon credits through the program. These credits are used to fund important and innovative environmental and community projects in Australia and around the world. Projects that prevent the release of greenhouse emissions and protect and support some of the most vulnerable ecosystems on our planet – their wildlife, plant life and local communities. 

Why is carbon neutral parcel delivery so important?

Whenever we fill up our online shopping basket, we often don’t think about the environmental toll it may have in getting to us. Transport and shipping for instance, is one of the biggest contributors of carbon emissions. Transport alone accounts for one-fifth of the global CO2 emissions in the world all accelerating climate change. The affects we are already seeing in Australia with devastating results. To help save our precious Australian environment as we know it, it is important to reduce emissions and support carbon neutral delivery. Already over the past couple of years, we have offset the carbon emissions of 185 million parcels – equivalent to taking 105,000 cars off the road.

Through our Qantas Future Planet program, we have helped regenerate and protect thousands of hectares of native bush and wildlife across Australia. Each time you send a parcel with us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your carbon footprint is being balanced. And you’re contributing to making Australia and the planet a better place.¹