The Sustainable Development Project Group, which met today during the Postal Operations Council session, is moving forward with its feasibility study on the establishment of a CO2 offset system. The proposed fund would enable postal operators to compensate for their greenhouse gas emissions.
The subgroup tasked with studying the initiative presented its initial proposals, which centred on a reciprocal carbon offset fund in which countries would participate voluntarily, and investments in projects corresponding to the sustainable development priorities set by the UPU.
According to Stéphanie Scouppe, assistant to the Project Group's Chairman, the fund would help position the postal sector as a responsible, proactive player capable of using existing assets to create direct value for the industry (replacing vehicle fleets, green energy, reforestation), or contributing to the economic development of their own corner of the planet.
"Using carbon trading for sustainable development means investing and managing in a clear and accountable way, driving economic and social development, and stimulating the activity of local postal operators", she explains.
The final study will be presented to the next Council of Administration session in November 2010 for approval, together with the initial results of the 2010 greenhouse gas inventory, which will provide an up-to-date picture of the harmful emissions generated by Posts throughout the world.