Environmental efforts are crucial for PostNord, and a central tenet of the group’s vision is to be an environmentally sound choice for our customers.
Our day-to-day environmental efforts are based on the viewpoint that each unused kilowatt hour or liter of fuel is both an environmental benefit and a cost savings. Our environmental work is therefore both a strategic endeavor, guiding how we plan and invest in our operations, and an ongoing operational activity.
Our environmental efforts are pursued on a broad front:
- We already transport more than 60% of Sweden’s mail volumes by rail between sorting terminals. In Norway approximately 80% of pallet and parcel volumes are transported by rail.
- We upgrade our vehicles on an ongoing basis to more fuel efficient alternatives
- We use trains, electric vehicles and bicycles wherever possible
- We fill our cars and optimise our routes
- Our drivers are trained to drive fuel efficiently and safely
- We take energy efficiency measures at our premises
- We collaborate with our customers and suppliers to develop smart new solutions throughout the entire chain
The group invests significant resources in reducing the operation’s environmental impact. One example of this is the Climate Fund, introduced in 2009, which earmarks resources for environmental investments and enables the group to step up the pace of our environmental efforts. SEK 100m was earmarked in 2010 and investments included the expansion of the electrical vehicle fleet and the implementation of several energy efficiency measures at mail and parcel terminals and printing plants.
During 2010 the group also decided to invest in a new terminal structure in Sweden. The future terminal structure will allow for more coordinated transports of letters, parcels and other goods via train. The changes have the potential to reduce the group’s CO2 emissions in Sweden by about 6%.
Another example is the group’s environmental offering, which has been broadened with new climate-efficient services.
We also participate in several sustainable development collaborations, including a fuel test of BioDME and the Edison project on the Danish island of Bornholm.
In 2011, we will in Denmark conduct an extensive field test using electric mopeds, with an aim of replacing a number of fuel-driven mopeds. The quieter, cleaner electric model is viewed favorably by many.