Belgian postal operator La Poste says it is committed to limiting to the maximum the impact of its activities on the environment. The company has announced its objectives aimed at reducing its emissions of CO2 by 35% before 2012.

Already on track to improve its carbon footprint it anticipates a decrease in consumption of energy over the 2005-2012 period of at least 7.5%.

In addition, La Poste has decided to only use recycled paper or paper from managed forests.

In July 2005, La Poste concluded an agreement with the Belgian government to reduce its energy by 7,5% before 2012 and gas emissions by 10%.

Since August 2008, La Poste has been using electricity that comes exclusively from renewable energy sources (AlpEnergy, electricity produced by hydroelectric stations). Solar panels are to be fitted on the roof of the sorting office of Ghent during the summer. The panels are expected to produce some 400.000 kWh per annum, around 10% of the energy requirements at the site. A number of vans and trucks of the type Euro4 (3460) and trucks of the type Euro5 (33) were acquired in order to contribute to a durable management of energy and environment.

In order to decrease the consumption of energy of its buildings, La Poste carried out energy audits of sites in order to detect abnormal consumption to undertake remedial action. At Ghent, it allowed La Poste to save more than 20% of the total energy costs.

La Poste also launched an “éco-control” initiative for drivers, alerting them to fuel consumption. More than 850 vehicles already have them fitted with a further 2.500 to be installed this year. La Poste estimates it can save 5% on fuel doing this alone, a total saving in approximately 475.000 liters of diesel per annum.

Johnny Thijs, CEO of the Belgian Post office said:

“La Poste is extremely concerned about the environment. Customers can be certain that by entrusting their letters or packages to us, environmental impact will be minimised. La Poste is committed to the broad objectives of Kyoto agreement.”

Johnny Thijs stressed that the “letter” was an ecologically sound means of communication:

“The International postal industry has seriously begun to reduce its consumption of energy and its CO2 emissions as well as greater use of recycled paper. La Poste wants to set an example and in the future, it will only be using recycled paper or paper from sustainable sources for its internal and external needs.”

© Hellmail.co.uk (25 March 2009)

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