Royal Mail’s Net-Zero and near-term targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the UN-backed global body that enables businesses to set emissions reductions targets that are in line with the latest climate science.

The organisation has validated that Royal Mail's corporate greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets are in line with the latest climate science to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

The targets are part of Royal Mail’s Steps to Zero strategy which outlines how it will achieve net zero by 2040.

Royal Mail said that its Steps to Zero programme builds on the company’s position as the UK’s greenest delivery option for letters and parcels. It points to its network of postmen and women who walk up to a billion steps a day to deliver the nation’s letters and parcels, keeping its emissions low.

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Royal Mail’s average emissions per parcel is currently 218gCO2e per parcel, and the company has set a long-term target to reduce the average to 50gCO2e.

SBTi has validated Royal Mail's overall net zero target for 2040, starting from a base year of 2020, and its near term targets to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 and its commitment to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 25% by 2030.

Other targets that have been validated include a reduction of 90% in absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG by 2040.

Greg Sage, Royal Mail deputy director corporate affairs and ESG, said: “Royal Mail’s net zero and near-term targets are integral to our Steps to Zero environment strategy. SBTi’s validation of our targets is an important step on our journey to achieving net zero.

“Royal Mail is already the UK’s greenest option for letters and parcels but we know we need to go further and faster in decarbonising our business and driving wider change.”

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