Environmental stewardship

Canadians expect their postal service to play a leading role in the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future, and it’s a responsibility we embrace.

-Doug Ettinger,

President and CEO, Canada Post

A greener, more sustainable Canada Post

Climate action targets

Canada Post is committed to taking action on climate change. We have set ambitious emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative. Our targets include:

  • Reducing operational emissions by 50% by 2030 and reaching net-zero emissions across our value chain by 2050
  • Obtaining 90% of electricity from non-emitting sources by 2030
  • Electrifying 100% of our last-mile fleet by 2040
  • Ensuring that a minimum of 67% of suppliers, by spend, adopt a science-based target or equivalent by December 31, 2025
A 100% electric Canada Post truck drives along a road with the Vancouver, B.C. skyline in the background

Net-zero roadmap

Near-term target horizon
Long-term target horizon
Near-term target horizon
Near-term target horizon
 
 

2019

Baseline

 
 

2022

Canada Post sets 1.5°C SBT and commits to net-zero

 
 

2023

Switch to renewable electricity in Alberta, 100 EVs added to the fleet

 
 

2025

67% of suppliers (by spend) and all subsidiaries have set an SBT

Long-term target horizon
Long-term target horizon
 
 

2030

Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions reduced 50%, 90% of electricity consumption from non-emitting sources

 
 

2040

Last-mile vehicle fleet 100% electric

 
 

2050

Net-zero

Key environmental programs

Canada Post hybrid and electric delivery vehicles parked in a row.

Sustainable delivery

We’ve committed to electrifying 100% of our last-mile fleet by 2040. Additionally, all regular and expedited domestic ground delivery services are carbon neutral. We purchase high-quality carbon offsets in amounts equivalent to the emissions generated by these shipments.
Exterior of a modern Canada Post facility.

Green buildings

We’re taking action to reduce emissions from our facilities. As part of our GHG reduction plan, we’re implementing energy-saving technology like LED lighting and solar panels, and shifting from fossil fuels to electricity.
A Canada Post mail processing facility.

Zero waste

We’re transforming our waste diversion and recycling processes. Our targets are to divert 90% of non-hazardous operational waste and 90% of construction and demolition waste by 2030.
A letter carrier holds a shipping box and a bubble mailer. Their Canada Post vehicle is parked nearby.

Green packaging

We’re working with industry partners and retailers to reduce packaging waste throughout the mail stream, and expanding our offering of sustainable packaging and delivery solutions.

Case study: Albert Jackson Processing Centre

In 2023, Canada Post opened the Albert Jackson Processing Centre, our first net-zero carbon building and the largest industrial project to meet the Canada Green Building Council’s Zero Carbon Building design standard. Bolstering Canada’s largest delivery network, the centre is our largest, fastest and greenest sorting facility and features innovative sustainability elements such as:

  • Rooftop solar panels that generate clean, renewable energy on site
  • An efficient HVAC system and sensor-controlled lighting based on occupancy and daylight
  • Ten electric vehicle charging stations for employees
  • Infrastructure to support the future electrification of Canada Post’s five-ton fleet

Tour the facility and see the sustainability details

Aerial view of the Albert Jackson Processing Centre

Green tips for consumers

Here are some practical ways to lessen your impact on the environment.

Recycle your mail

Environment Canada reports that landfills account for about 20% of Canada’s methane gas emissions. Recycling can significantly reduce the amount of material deposited in landfills. Many municipalities have expanded the types of items being accepted for recycling, including windowed envelopes, magazines, glossy flyer paper and catalogues. Confidential documents can be shredded, then recycled.

Change your address when you move

Use Mail Forwarding when you move or temporarily relocate to a new address. Rest assured you won’t miss infrequent mailings such as tax slips, licences or health card renewals, and will avoid unnecessarily printing duplicate mail.

Reduce advertising mail

You can request to have your name removed from marketing lists that send personalized and unaddressed advertising mail.

Consumers’ Choice

Stop receiving unaddressed advertising mail delivered by Canada Post. You’ll still receive unaddressed advertising delivered by services other than Canada Post.