A comprehensive and consistent approach to energy efficiency across its real estate and transport businesses has helped Australia Post save 9,614 tonnes of CO2e in 2014/15. This brings the company’s overall emissions reduction to just under 15%, well on the way to achieving its goal of a 25% reduction by 2020 in comparison to the 2000 baseline.
Over the past year, Australia Post has continued to introduce renewable energy into its property operations, including the installation of an additional 478 kW of solar power at 17 sites around Australia. Energy efficiency upgrades have commenced at an additional 100 sites including lighting cooling and heating upgrades.
Australia Post established a Green Information and Design Technology Programme which has delivered savings through enhanced data centre management of servers and computer equipment upgrades.
In May 2015, 1,000 staff moved to a newly refitted building incorporating environmental features such as natural light, water conservation, waste management and “follow me” print technology. Australia Post is now working towards a 5 Star Green Star certification for the building, which would be the fourth building in its portfolio to achieve this prestigious accreditation.
Australia Post also places great emphasis on greener transport. Its 12,000-strong fleet now includes Australia’s first 100% electric commercial van as well as a number of vehicles powered by biofuel. Alongside more efficient logistics, these innovations helped generate a 3% reduction in carbon over the past year.
While rising costs related to electricity, fuel, waste, and water management have contributed to Australia Post’s sustainability commitment, the company is also aware of the opportunity it has to support and drive better outcomes for employees and customers around environmental performance. Australia Post aims to continue to meet these expectations through its embedded energy efficiency programme that includes monitoring, measurement, audits design, research and development and increasingly utilising low-carbon/renewable energy.