Sustainability at Royal Mail

We have by far the lowest reported carbon footprint per parcel delivery in the UK

With the UK's largest 'Feet on the Street' network of over 85,000 postmen and women Royal Mail already has the lowest reported carbon emissions per parcel of any major UK delivery company. 

But we want to go further, taking action to continually reduce emissions, reduce waste and improve the air quality in the communities in which we operate. This includes investing in technologies such as electric vehicles, drones, alternative fuel trucks and energy improvements to our estate.

We are committed to providing sustainable services for our customers and communities as we deliver against our environmental ambitions.​

Related information

We are committed to providing sustainable services for our customers and communities as we deliver against our environmental ambitions. 

We are working hard to reduce the emissions of our operations. Building on our network of on-foot deliveries, we are also rolling out electric vehicles, and trialling vehicle and building technology such as renewable energy generation to help reduce our emissions even further. 

This year we have begun the roll out of a further 3,000 electric delivery and collection vehicles which will mean we have the largest electric fleet in the UK by the end of March 2022. We have also started the roll out of all-electric delivery offices, meaning all deliveries from these locations are zero emission.  In addition, by early 2022, we be using 100% renewable electricity across our estate.  

By March 2022 we expect to have c.3,300 electric vehicles in the Royal Mail fleet – the largest of any UK operator. 

We continue to trial other alternative fuel vehicles such as micro electric and hydrogen vehicles, as well as other delivery models – including delivery by drone!

Our 'Feet on the Street' network of over 85,000 postmen and women means that we are able to collect your parcel whilst we are out delivering, overall resulting in fewer emissions and less congestion from any additional journeys needed to post your parcel. 

Unique to Royal Mail, three quarters of our parcel deliveries are made purely by foot or through a park and loop method, combining low mileage van movements and on-foot delivery.  You could say our deliveries are powered by posties! 

Please take a look at our 2020-21 Corporate Responsibly report here.