Looking for a truly sustainable delivery and logistics partner? We have compiled a checklist for online retailers to help them choose a sustainable partner.
Climate change mitigation is urgent, and companies need to play their part in the e-commerce and logistics sector. However, corporate sustainability messages can be difficult to understand or assess. Use this list to check whether a potential partner operates transparently.
A sustainable logistics partner…
...publishes and regularly monitors its emissions data. It is essential that the company reports the emissions of its value chain, such as its subcontractors. Posti publishes its greenhouse gas emissions annually, and emissions are reviewed with customers on a monthly basis. Four-fifths of the total emissions are generated in the value chain, especially in subcontracted transport and delivery.
...has an external, independent party verify its emissions calculation. An external expert checks that the data reported by the company and its sources exist and are correct. Posti’s emissions calculation is validated once every two years.
...is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative. The initiative accepts companies that commit to reducing their emissions so that global warming does not exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius. The targets are based on climate science, and their progress is reported regularly. Posti’s short-term targets until 2030 have already been confirmed by the initiative.
...has set reduction targets and actions for the entire value chain. There are many subcontracting chains in the logistics sector. The company must include the entire value chain in emission reduction targets. You may have heard about the emission categories, i.e. Scopes 1–2, which refer to the company’s direct emissions and purchased energy, and Scope 3, which refers to the value chain and purchased services. Posti is working on an emission program for subcontractors, and subcontracted transports are included in the emission reduction targets.
…transports the last kilometer fossil-free and explains how it was done. Posti operates throughout Finland and works continuously to reduce transport emissions. Last-kilometer deliveries in large cities are already partially fossil-free. In total, more than ten million parcels were transported fossil-free last year. In line haulage, Posti has the largest liquefied biogas fleet in Finland.
...uses 100% fossil-free electricity. All electricity used by Posti in Finland and Sweden is 100% fossil-free.
...has received a sustainability rating from EcoVadis or another operator. The leading global sustainability rating provider for companies, EcoVadis, bases its assessments on international corporate social responsibility criteria. An international scientific committee oversees the assessment. Posti has achieved a platinum rating from EcoVadis, which places Posti among the top 1% of companies worldwide.
...is committed to the goals of sustainable development and explains how. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals aim to, for example, end poverty, reduce inequality and ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns by 2030. They allow companies to set their own goals in line with internationally agreed objectives.
...demonstrates commitment to limit environmental impacts through ISO 14001 certification. The certification supports the company in managing its environmental impacts and shows that it anticipates them and integrates environmental aspects into its business strategy. Posti’s management system is ISO 14001 certified.
Read our Guide to sustainable e-commerce to find out how you can make your online store more sustainable.
Would you like to learn more about Posti’s sustainability work? Read more here.