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Sustainability Report
2021

Focus on six Sustainable Development Goals

Swiss Post takes its social, environmental and economic responsibilities seriously. In conjunction with its stakeholders, it has identified environmental and social priorities. Based on these priorities, areas of action in which additional benefits can be created through sustainability and employer attractiveness can be enhanced have been identified along the entire value chain.

Global Reporting Initiative Index (PDF)

 

Good health and well-being

Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Swiss Post contributes to targets 3.6, 3.8 and 3.9 of SDG 3.

Our ambition and contribution to the goal

As a major fleet operator, Swiss Post generates air and noise emissions and aims to reduce these significantly. It can also make a contribution to safety on Swiss roads. As one of Switzerland’s largest employers, it has a positive impact on the health and well-being of many people.

Our performance in 2021

  • Introduced and developed measures and programmes aimed at prevention in health, employability and the social environment.
  • Clean air: 46 percent of the vehicle fleet is powered by alternative drive technologies.
  • Delivery points are equipped with charging stations and electric vehicles to ensure carbon-free delivery. Since the end of 2021, Swiss Post deliveries have been carbon- free from 30 delivery points.

Affordable and clean energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

Swiss Post contributes to targets 7.2, 7.3 and 7.a of SDG 7.

Our ambition and contribution to the goal

Swiss Post aims to cut CO2 emissions from its own operations by 46 percent between 2019 and 2030, and to also reduce CO2 emissions in its value chain. The company as a whole is required to become carbon neutral by 2040. This will entail removing residual emissions in 2040 from the atmosphere via climate projects. Swiss Post’s ambitious climate target is in line with the United Nations’ goal of limiting global warming to a maximum of 1.5°C.

Our performance in 2021

  • The approximately 6,000 electric scooters and 260 electric delivery vans run on “naturemade star”-certified green energy. Swiss Post runs the largest electric delivery f leet of all European postal companies.
  • In its buildings, Swiss Post is replacing fossil-fuel heating systems with alternatives based on renewable energy.
  • Swiss Post operates some of Switzerland’s largest photovoltaic systems on its roofs. The 27 systems produce 10.3 GWh of solar power.
  • Swiss Post covers 100 percent of its electricity requirements from renewable sources from Switzerland.

Decent work and economic growth

Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all

Swiss Post contributes to targets 8.2, 8.4 to 8.8 and 8.10 of SDG 8.

Our ambition and contribution to the goal

Swiss Post enables a high degree of economic productivity through modernization and innovation and is endeavouring to improve resource efficiency and to decouple economic growth and environmental destruction. It supports productive full employment for all women and men, including young people and people with disabilities, with equal pay for the same work. It protects employment rights and promotes a safe working environment for all employees. It categorically opposes forced labour, modern slavery and child labour and demands the same from its suppliers (see also SDG 12).

Our performance in 2021

  • 15,643 people work in rural areas in Switzerland.
  • 1,860 apprenticeships.
  • Inclusive measures for people with disabilities.
  • 11 collective employment contracts with high standards in terms of non-discrimination, health and equal pay.
  • We are committed to equality and promote the careers of women and men across all age groups.
  • Improved working conditions for mothers and fathers.
  • Swiss Post’s suppliers must sign its Code of Ethics and Social Responsibility.

Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation

Swiss Post contributes to targets 9.1, 9.4 and 9.5 of SDG 9.

Our ambition and contribution to the goal

Swiss Post makes a substantial contribution to high-quality, reliable and resilient infrastructure – regionally and internationally – and provides affordable and equal access to its services for everyone. To achieve this, it is continuously and sustainably modernizing its processes and infrastructure, it focuses on environmentally acceptable technology and it drives innovation forward. It is opening up its extensive network of access points to partners.

Our performance in 2021

  • Swiss Post provides public postal services for the whole of Switzerland.
  • The Universal Postal Union has named Swiss Post the world’s best postal service for the fifth consecutive time.
  • Through its “PostVenture” and “Postidea” innovation programmes, Swiss Post is developing future-oriented solutions and new business models.

Sustainable cities and communities

Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable

Swiss Post contributes to targets 11.2, 11.3, 11.6 and 11.a of SDG 11.

Our ambition and contribution to the goal

Swiss Post contributes to more inclusive and sustainable urban development and creates positive links between urban, suburban and rural areas. It is aiming to reduce environmental pollution, improve air quality and achieve positive developments in waste management in cities. PostBus creates access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all through its public transport. The company is constantly improving safety on the roads, with particular emphasis on people with special needs.

Our performance in 2021

  • For the delivery of 3.4 billion consignments, Swiss Post uses 6,000 electric scooters and 260 electric delivery vans. This means that delivery is carbon offset.
  • On the last mile, Swiss Post supports low-CO2 delivery with electric scooters, electric delivery vans and cargo bikes.
  • By collecting recyclable materials and collaborating with bakers and farmers (regional produce), it reduces empty runs.
  • PostBus operates 993 routes and is the biggest public transport company on Swiss roads, with around 2,400 vehicles.

Responsible consumption and production

Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns

Swiss Post contributes to targets 12.5, 12.6, 12.7 and 12.8 of SDG 12.

Our ambition and contribution to the goal

Swiss Post promotes sustainable consumption patterns and the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources, as well as sustainable public procurement procedures. With its services, Swiss Post helps to increase the frequency of use and recycling rate of resources, thereby ensuring that consumption in Switzerland is more sustainable. It systematically incorporates sustainability information into its reporting and, as far as possible, provides customers and employees with knowledge about sustainable development and incentives for living in harmony with nature.

    Our performance in 2021

  • Swiss Post collects old clothing, coffee capsules, routers and PET bottles and ensures they are recycled professionally.
  • Swiss Post is testing the use of reusable packaging with business customers, such as the Kickbag and delivery of consignments in their original packaging (without repackaging), which reduces packaging waste.
  • All consignments (in Switzerland and abroad) are now sent with the “pro clima” label, which means that they are carbon offset.
  • Swiss Post incorporates sustainability criteria into service tenders. It requires major suppliers to undergo a risk evaluation.
  • The highest award from the Fair Wear Foundation for comprehensive social standards in the manufacture of clothing.
  • In an independent evaluation of its corporate management, EcoVadis awarded Swiss Post the best possible rating of “Platinum”. This puts it amongst the top one percent of companies evaluated worldwide in its sector.