An Post Achieves 50% Carbon Emission Reduction Three Months Ahead of Target
According to postandparcel.info, An Post achieved a 50% reduction in carbon emissions by September 2025, three months ahead of its original 2030 target. This milestone was set in 2017 and later accelerated to 2025 in 2021, reflecting Ireland’s national climate commitments. The company delivered 73 million parcels in 2025, a 27% increase from the previous year, demonstrating that sustainability and commercial growth can progress in tandem.
Electric and Low-Carbon Fleet Expansion
By the end of 2025, 55% of An Post’s total delivery fleet was powered by alternative fuels. In the first half of 2026, the company deployed 575 new, larger electric vehicles (EVs), with 30% replacing diesel vans and the rest replacing first-generation EVs with limited battery range. The shift to cleaner transport is part of a broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. Additionally, 95% of An Post’s heavy goods vehicles switched to renewable hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) in the fourth quarter of 2025, supported by investments in HVO refueling infrastructure at hubs in Athlone, Dublin, and Portlaoise. HVO delivers up to a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per liter compared to conventional diesel.
Green Energy and Building Efficiency
99% of An Post’s buildings are now powered by green energy, including the company’s headquarters at The EXO in Dublin’s North Wall. The building, which holds LEED Platinum status, saw a 250 MWh reduction in energy use in 2025 due to system optimization. This progress supports An Post’s Green Light Energy Goals and contributes to its global ranking as fourth in the International Postal Corporation (IPC) Sustainability Measurement and Management System.
Circular Economy and Reuse Initiatives
The 2025 Sustainability Report highlights An Post’s leadership in the circular economy, particularly in clothing and homewares. Over 5 million items were sold or donated via digital platforms, post offices, pre-paid packaging, and delivery services in 2025. These efforts align with the company’s Green Light strategy, which emphasizes reuse and recycling for consumers and businesses. An Post continues to innovate in support of circular economy models, expanding its role in sustainable consumption and waste reduction.
“The battle for sustainability never ends, and the need is as great as ever. Extreme weather in Ireland brings home the real impact of global warming, which is why for my colleagues sustainability is not a fashion but an imperative.” — David McRedmond, CEO at An Post
“Our latest Sustainability Report demonstrates how sustainability and commercial success can advance collectively. With 575 new, larger EVs being deployed in the first half of this year and a tighter focus on green energy optimisation and support for circular economy initiatives, we continue to make great strides towards our Green Light Energy Goals.” — Owen Keogh, An Post Head of Sustainability
Infrastructure and Future Outlook
An Post serves 2.5 million delivery points daily and supports up to 1 million customers weekly through its network of Post Offices. The company plans to continue expanding e-commerce and postal infrastructure using internal funding, pending government approval. The report underscores that sustainable practices are not only environmentally sound but also commercially viable, enabling growth in both e-commerce and financial services.
Source: Post & Parcel
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
