BY tackling emissions through pro-active steps, including LowCO2 Certification, CouriersPlease has taken the equivalent of 241 cars off the road since June this year.

Australia’s transport emissions account for 19% of the country’s overall carbon emissions – a higher rate than the world-combined transport emissions figure of 15%.

One of Australia’s largest franchised businesses, CP comprises more than 750 franchisees whose network covers 95% of Australia. In 2019 alone, it delivered more than 20 million parcels.

Beginning with offsetting 100% of its operational emissions – which includes waste, energy use, staff travel and flights – CP aims to be completely carbon neutral across all areas of the business by 2025. Now, it is calling on the rest of the industry to set a target to reduce carbon emissions.

CP had its carbon emissions audited by The Carbon Reduction Institute to quantify the baseline carbon footprint for the company, to allow it to set emission reduction targets.

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Given that CP operates in the transport and logistics industry, this process will take some time before it can become carbon neutral. Since 1 July, CP has, and will continue to, offset 10% of emissions related to last-mile deliveries performed by their franchisees, which is in addition to offsetting its operational emissions.

By June 2021, CP will have prevented offset emissions equivalent to not burning 1546 tonnes of coal, 1.7 million litres of petrol, nearly 14 million kilometres off the road, and 540 laps around the Australian coastline.

Paul Roper, chief commercial officer at CP, said, “CP is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral carrier and lead by example in the industry and the business sector.

“Sustainability is becoming important to consumers, and online retailers are becoming conscious of the need to work with eco-friendly shipping and fulfilment partners who share the same values.

“We are in the middle of a 12-month discovery phase of our delivery app, CPGo, which helps our franchisees by defining the quickest calculated route to take before they commence their run in an optimised pickup and delivery sequence.

“Over time, their vehicles will also adopt new technologies and emission-savings tools to minimise emissions further.”