IPC Environmental Measurement and Monitoring System (EMMS)
In 2008, IPC developed the Environmental Measurement and Monitoring System (EMMS) in direct response to requests from CEOs throughout the postal industry to implement a common carbon measurement and reporting framework, in line with customer requirements and stakeholder expectations.
It acts as an automated reporting tool that enables participants to measure and illustrate their improvements in carbon management in a consistent manner to their stakeholders.
It is only through the sharing of knowledge that the whole postal industry will be able to lower its environmental impact and thus address stakeholder concerns about their contribution to greenhouse gases.
EMMS Development
The EMMS was developed and piloted in partnership with IPC members in 2008 and formally implemented in May 2009 to capture data and progress for the 2008 calendar and financial reporting year. It assesses carbon management proficiency using a management systems approach.
The engagement tool and associated guidance materials are aligned with the requirements of international best practice standards including the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Dow Jones Sustainability Index, FTSE4Good, ISO 14001, ISO 14064 and current best practice disclosed by members of the Carbon Disclosure Project and the US Climate Registry.
The tool was devised in conjunction with Professor Alyson Warhurst of Maplecroft, an independent advisory company specialising in global risks management.
EMMS Reporting Tool and Guidelines
The EMMS is designed to be complementary to any new or existing environmental monitoring systems of IPC members. The objective is to provide a common reporting structure for posts to disclose their environmental management strategies, performance and achievements.
The benefit of a common reporting structure is that it will allow the whole IPC membership to share its knowledge on carbon and environmental management issues and provide customers with up to date and consistent data regarding the role that postal services play in their supply chains.