Every year, humankind consumes the equivalent of 1.75 more than the planet can regenerate to meet its needs in terms of natural resources. In 2022, two new planetary thresholds(1) (in terms of chemical pollutants and the freshwater cycle) were reached, after having already breached the limits in relation to climate change, biodiversity and land-use change. Now, more than ever, everyone needs to take action, and notably businesses.
To combat climate change and the destruction of biodiversity and ecosystems, companies need to drastically reduce their environmental footprints. La Poste, which has a strong regional and local presence through its various business activities, has been working on this issue for 20 years. Today, the group is even spearheading the ecological transition. As the first postal operator to commit to carbon neutrality, all the group's initiatives and actions have now been recognised by extra-financial rating agencies.
Drawing on experts to improve the ecological strategy
In 2020, the group set up an Energy and Ecological Transition Steering Committee (COTEE).
The COTEE is an advisory body composed of external specialists who provide guidance and challenge the group's strategy on issues related to the ecological transition. The COTEE meets up 2 to 3 times a year in order to reflect on the group's strategic issues related to its ecological transformation. They also focus on supporting the group for it to remain the leader on environmental issues in each of its businesses: mail, parcels, personal services, banking and insurance, and digital.
The "La Poste 2030, committed for you" strategic plan has placed the ecological transition at the centre of the group's strategy. By taking on the status of a mission-driven company in 2021 and defining a mission statement, La Poste aims to reinforce its position as a leader for the ecological transition and further develop its positive impact on society. The group does not simply seek to meet the needs of its customers (companies, local authorities and private citizens), it also aims to support them in their own ecological-transition processes.
The group's environmental policy covers four priority issues climate change and energy management, air and noise pollution, the circular economy and responsible resource management, and biodiversity.
To achieve its target of " Zero net emissions " by 2050, the group La Poste is further reinforcing its actions aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of its activities. To do this, the group is leveraging several key areas: optimisation of industrial equipment, rationalisation of deliveries, electrification of vehicle fleets, sustainable real estate and responsible finance. The group also contributes to developing carbon reduction and sequestration projects in France and abroad in order to combat climate change.
To meet the challenges of sustainable cities and reduce air pollution at local level, the group La Poste is innovating.
Its urban mail and parcel delivery business aims to massively develop the use of soft mobility and more efficient engines, while lowering air and noise pollution thresholds to acceptable levels.
The group La Poste encourages the development of new consumption and production models which promote the responsible management of the planet's resources.
Internally and for its customers, the group has implemented several solutions, particularly in the fields of second-hand purchases, reuse, repair and recycling.
In 2021, the group La Poste defined its biodiversity policy. The group aims to incorporate the issue of protecting ecosystems and living organisms in all of its environmental actions.
The Services-Mail-Parcels division, the Retail Customers and Digital Services business unit, La Poste Immobilier, La Banque Postale and CNP Assurances have all made ecosystem biodiversity one of the pillars of their responsible development strategy, with the goal of reducing their footprint, regenerating ecosystems and reconnecting with living things.
(1): Thresholds that mankind must not exceed in order to keep living in good conditions and maintain a healthy ecosystem.
