An Post has ranked third in the world amongst postal companies for sustainability, according to the results of an independently audited assessment.
The Sustainability Measurement and Management System has been carried out on postal companies globally since 2019, to drive progress on sustainability goals.
The news comes as An Post launches its latest sustainability report, which states that the company is on track for a 50% cut in net zero carbon emissions by 2025.
In 2022, the company reduced its carbon emissions by 12% compared to 2021 and by 35% since 2009.
It also achieved a reduction in its total energy usage by 9.5% year-on-year, as a result of improvements in managing the heating and air conditioning systems in its properties, as well as reducing the number of kilometres travelled by its vehicles and the amount of fuel used.
"Sustainability challenges and defines An Post," said David McRedmond, CEO of A Post.
"We are delivering on our key commitments on Climate Action, Decent Work and Sustainable Communities and expanding into Biodiversity and wherever An Post can act as a force for good now and for future generations," he added.
Today's report states that the company is on track for half of its fleet to be using alternative fuel sources by 2025, with 30% of its fleet already doing so.
Its innovative HVO, or hydro-treated vegetable oil biofuel trial for HGVS was expanded to Galway and Cork last year, with a 91.8% reduction in carbon emissions compared to diesel fuel.
Amongst other environmental highlights, An Post achieved zero waste to landfill for the fifth consecutive year, and met its ambition to replace all lighting with energy efficient lighting by 2022.
An Post has also launched its No Mow May biodiversity campaign in partnership with the National Biodiversity Data Centre.
The campaign encourages the public to leave their lawn mowers in the shed for the month, to let pollinators and wildflowers flourish in the month of May.
"We want to protect and restore nature in Ireland, so No Mow May is a practical, impactful way in we can all encourage as much biodiversity as possible," said Nicola Woods, Chief Transformation Officer at An Post.
"It's all part of leaving a mark that we can be proud of and protecting the planet's precious resources for future generations," she added.
