We want to make sure our services have a positive impact on society and a minimal impact on the environment – and we’re working with you and our partners to make it happen.  For us, sustainability affects every part of our business, every day, and we can all make a contribution.

In 2010, individuals and organisations from around the country began working together to achieve a 10% cut in the UK’s carbon emissions.   By signing up to a 10% target we’re not just supporting 10:10 - we’re making it happen.

The success of 10:10 depends on getting everyone involved including our customers and our people.  We’re working on a number of initiatives already this year to continue to reduce carbon in our buildings and our vehicles.

The 10:10 website has all the tools you need to participate and spread the word. Find out more at www.1010uk.org (opens in new window).

We’ve achieved the Carbon Trust standard

The Carbon Trust Standard is a mark of excellence that has been awarded to our organisation in recognition of measuring, managing and reducing our carbon emissions. This certifies that we’ve genuinely reduced our carbon footprint and are committed to make further reductions every year.

We’ve reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 40,000 tonnes since 2004/05

As a result of introducing over 300 double decker trailers, we can now carry 50% more mail in one vehicle. This has already reduced our annual mileage by 7.6 million miles, saving 7,000 tonnes of CO2. That’s enough to fill 35,000 hot air balloons.

We’ve used route planning technology to help us reduce unnecessary routes and increase the efficiency of our network. We’ve also installed technology that tells us how our vehicles are being used and will help us improve driver behaviour.  What’s more, we’ve downsized to vehicles that emit less carbon. These are just some of the initiatives that have helped to cut mileage across our network, and reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 40,000 tonnes since 2004-2005.

Introducing new sustainable buildings

Our South Midlands mail centre opened in August 2010 and has been designed with sustainability in mind. For example:

• 98% of the waste from its construction has been re-used or recycled
• It’s CO2 emissions are 30% lower in use than other new builds
• A 700m² solar wall heats the centre in winter
• Rain water is collected and used around the building

Introducing new sustainable products

We’re introducing new products, such as Sustainable^® Mail, to help you minimise the environmental impact of your mailing and demonstrate your commitment to good environmental practices. We help you increase your mail’s recyclability, improve its targeting and access lower prices as well.   Working together we’ve already exceeded the UK recycling target for direct marketing material, achieving an impressive 76.5% and beating the 2013 target of 70%.

Find out more about how the industry achieved DEFRA’s recycling target.

Using Sustainable® Mail reduces the cost of your postage and reassures your customers that mail needn’t be wasteful.  Find out more information about Sustainable® Mail.

The 10:10 website has all the tools you need to participate and spread the word. Find out more at www.1010uk.org (opens in new window).