Australia's oldest business on Wednesday launched a 2025 sustainability road map to become the first Commonwealth government business enterprise to commit to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
"We hope as Australia's longest-running business, with one of the country's largest and most diverse workforces, that our transformation can inspire other organisations to follow suit," managing director Paul Graham said.
"If we can do it, so can you."
Australia Post runs the nation's largest fleet of electric delivery vehicles and says its science-based approach aligns with the aims of the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The 4635-strong fleet covers more than 28 million kilometres each year, equivalent to more than twice the Earth's circumference every delivery day.
"Over the past few years, we have seen unprecedented growth in our parcels business because of the pandemic," Mr Graham said.
"Although, as our revenue has climbed, our carbon intensity has dropped."
The carbon emissions per parcel for sending the average domestic package has halved between 2018 and 2021.
"That's a great start but we still have a long way to go," he said.
The road map commits Australia Post to 100 per cent renewable energy and reducing emissions by 15 per cent by 2025, to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century.
Other changes by 2025 include a sustainable packaging range, decreasing waste to landfill by one-fifth, investing in sustainable aviation fuel, and spending $100 million with First Nations and social enterprise suppliers.
Communications Minister Michelle Rowland welcomed Australia Post's initiative to target net zero.
"Australia is serious about reducing emissions," she said.
"It is fantastic to see Australia Post, one of the oldest and most established institutions in the country, supporting our net zero ambitions."
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