Attending this week’s United Nations climate change conference in Copenhagen, UPU Director General Edouard Dayan said that business as usual was not an option and that the global postal sector will do its part to reduce carbon emissions.
Dayan joined other heads of UN agencies, funds and programmes to discuss how the UN system can support the world in addressing climate change through action on adaptation, capacity building, technology transfer, financing and other areas.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said tackling climate change was “a political, morale and historical imperative”, adding that UN organizations in Copenhagen were there as one team to continue to lead the process on climate change and deliver.”
Climate-change conference chief Yvo De Boer added that the UN had to support concrete actions on the ground. “Success depends on implementation on the ground.”
Dayan pledged to work with the postal operators of the UPU’s 191 member countries to reduce global carbon emissions. Postal buildings and vehicles produced 26 million tonnes of CO2 in 2008, according to a recent worldwide inventory published by the UPU. The agency is also looking into implementing a carbon offset system for the postal sector.
Dayan also participated in a conference by the United Nations Environment Programme focused on UN efforts to become more climate neutral. The UPU headquarters has reduced its energy consumption and adopted several environmentally friendly practices. A new lighting system has already saved 70% of electricity in one year, and most staff travel economy class for business purposes or take trains whenever possible.
The International Bureau wants to reduce its CO2 emissions by 20% by the end of 2012. It currently produces around 1,500 tonnes annually.
UNEP chief Achim Steiner commended the UPU for its efforts and said there is huge potential for greening sectors like the postal services.