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Climate action
We have a responsibility to decarbonise our operations, maximise resource efficiency, and support Ireland’s transition to a low carbon future
Overview
We are acutely aware of the impacts of climate change and the urgency of climate action. In striving to leave a mark we can be proud of, we are committed to net zero carbon emissions from our own operations by 2030, with a 50% reduction by 2025. We continue to monitor and report on this progress and are on track to achieve our 2025 target.
The journey so far
Climate change is a critical issue for us as we recognise the role that we have to play in minimising the mark we leave on the environment and in our communities so that they can thrive for generations. More than making commitments and creating plans, at An Post we continue to deliver climate actions and are on track to halve our carbon emissions by 2025.
In 2024, we increased our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 1,568 tonnes of carbon, largely due to a significant increase in fleet size. However, with the electrification of the fleet and rollout of alternative fuel, we are on track to achieve a 50% reduction in emissions by the end of 2025.
Featured story - Our fleet
We can make a significant environmental impact by decarbonising our fleet. In 2024, we expanded the size of our electric vehicle (EV) fleet by 31.5%, as part of our fleet replacement programme. Additionally, significant strides were made in using HVO (hydro-treated vegetable oil) as an alternative fuel source, with a 43% increase in 2024. We are confident that the ongoing rollout of EVs and the greater adoption of HVO will ensure that we meet our ambitious 2025 targets.
By the end of 2025, 50% of our fleet will be powered by alternative fuels and we will have reduced emissions from our own operations by 50%.
Making sustainable living commonplace
We are committed to making a positive impact on our communities by creating everyday opportunities to make sustainable living commonplace for everyone in Ireland. In 2024, we supported the Dublin City Taskforce and Project SENATOR, both initiatives that focusing on driving urban sustainability through innovative initiatives that reduce environmental impact.
Looking forward
An Post operates one of Ireland’s largest vehicle fleets and has over two million square feet under management in our property portfolio. At the core of our decarbonisation strategy is the transition to a sustainable transport fleet and renewable energy. We will also continue the process of retrofitting buildings within our property portfolio, improving BER ratings and supporting sustainable initiatives.
Championing climate literacy and the UN SDGs
An Post is proud to continue our commitment to sustainability through the use of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In 2024, we advanced from being an SDG Champion to become an SDG Ambassador. An initiative of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications to raise public awareness, our role is to inspire and guide others in climate action and social justice, as well as leading by example to create a more sustainable future for all. We ran several campaigns throughout 2024 to inspire sustainable living. We launched our Keeping it Circular campaign, followed by our SDG Week campaign, which focused on raising awareness of the Circular Economy. Through these initiatives, we highlighted the importance of sustainability and showed how simple actions can contribute to a more circular and sustainable Ireland.
We also hosted the launch of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Ireland Network in the EXO building in 2024. Over 150 senior leaders from businesses and organization's across Ireland attended this milestone event, reinforcing Ireland’s commitment to the SDGs."
Biodiversity achievements: expanding conservation and community engagement
An Post remains committed to advancing biodiversity restoration and enhancement across ouroperations. Our initiatives not only foster healthier local ecosystems but also contribute to the goals outlined in Ireland’s National Biodiversity Action Plan. In 2024, we have made great progress against our ambition to restore biodiversity within the An Post land and property portfolio to 1984 levels by 2030, as well as engaging with communities and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity.
An Post accelerates switch to HVO
An Post is switching its national fleet of 200+ heavy good vehicles (HGVs) from diesel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This is a transformative step in our mission to slash carbon emissions and spearhead Ireland's logistics decarbonisation revolution.
