IPC publishes first online sustainability report featuring the first-year results of the new Sustainability Measurement and Management System (SMMS)

The full report can be read here. 

The Sustainability Measurement and Management System (SMMS)

The IPC SMMS programme was launched in 2019 to address the sustainability objectives of the postal sector for the next ten years, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It expands on the 2009-2019 Environmental Measurement and Monitoring System (EMMS) programme, which focused on reducing carbon emissions, and broadens the remit to the seven sustainability focus areas most relevant for the postal sector:

     • Health and safety
     • Learning and development 
     • Resource efficiency
     • Climate change
     • Air quality
     • Circular economy
     • Sustainable procurement

In the original EMMS programme, two ambitious targets were set to drive postal sector progress on carbon management and carbon emissions:

   - Achieve a 20% reduction in collective Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions by 2020, compared to a 2008 baseline – achieved in 2014
   - Achieve 90% in Carbon Management Proficiency (CMP) – achieved in 2018

Following eleven years of reporting on carbon emissions and carbon management and having achieved the two original targets set in 2008, the aim of the SMMS is to build on the success and experience of the EMMS to inform our approach going forward. The seven sustainability focus areas were decided upon following a two-year process involving research, consultation with internal and external stakeholders and multiple iterations. They are aligned with the SDGs, identified by IPC’s stakeholders and SMMS participants as most relevant to the postal sector.

Reporting is undertaken annually on the preceding year’s data. Each of the 19 participating posts  is assessed through qualitative and quantitative elements.
Sustainability Management Proficiency (SMP) is measured qualitatively through a 150+ question survey. Overall SMP scores and Focus Area scores on Strategy & Policy, Embedding, Measurement & Evaluation and Disclosure & Reporting are given in percentages. Data from 2019 will be used as the baseline.

Sustainability Management Proficiency (SMP) is measured qualitatively through a 150+ question survey. Overall SMP scores and Focus Area scores on Strategy & Policy, Embedding, Measurement & Evaluation and Disclosure & Reporting are given in percentages. Data from 2019 will be used as the baseline.In the Sustainability Performance Indicators (SPI) Tool, participants submit data on topics such as electricity use, carbon emissions, destination of waste, and vehicle types. 
All data is evaluated through multiple rounds of plausibility checks and supplementary evidence is reviewed, to ensure high levels of consistency. In addition, we ensure our data is accurate and credible through a third-party review from our external accountant, PwC.

Posts continue to improve on existing indicators

Renewable Electricity and Alternative Vehicles
The group has successfully increased its use of renewable electricity from 14% of total electricity use in 2012 to 31% in 2019. Seven posts now use 100% renewable electricity, and a further six use more than 90%.The SMMS group has grown its collective alternative-fuel vehicle fleet from 65,000 (12% of total vehicles) in 2012 to over 130,000 (22%) in 2019, a particularly impressive feat given the challenging market conditions. Reported electric vehicles also increased from 2018 by more than 4,600, now comprising 15% of total vehicles in 2019. 

Carbon emissions
In 2019, posts reported a 31% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to the 2008 baseline. This equates to year-on-year decrease of 218,000 tonnes (4%) from 2018. Since 2008, the group’s cumulative reduction in emissions now equals 18.1 million tonnes CO2. 

Having reached the absolute emissions reduction target in 2014, participants collectively agreed on a delivery efficiency target, measuring the carbon emissions associated with each delivery, and also expanding the scope to include outsourced transport, to achieve a 20% reduction in Scope 1, 2 and 3 (from own operations and outsourced transport) carbon emissions per letter mail and per parcel by 2025, from a 2013 baseline year. 

 

Circular economy
In 2019, participants reused or recycled an impressive 47% of total non-hazardous waste. Five posts have publicly stated targets on waste/circular economy, and a further five have internal targets. Some posts may be more advanced in their circular economy transition than others, given regional differences in regulation and evolving legislation around waste.