The EU taxonomy1 is a classification system established to clarify which investments are environmentally sustainable, in the context of the European Green Deal. A first delegated act on sustainable activities for climate change adaptation and mitigation objectives2 is applicable since January 2022. A second delegated act for the remaining objectives, i.e. “Environmental Delegated Act”, should be published in 2022.
Postal operators as an essential driver of social inclusion and territorial cohesion are investing heavily in environmental-friendly delivery options to reduce their GHG emissions and carbon footprint. With one of the largest fleets of professional electric and alternative fuel vehicles, 170,000 of its postal employees delivering on foot throughout Europe while over 89,000 delivering by bike, and the outstanding increase of electric bikes used for the last mile, postal operators are a unique example of zero-emission delivery within Europe3. They are key enablers of economic growth in the e-commerce market and for circular economy. For the moment, a large part of postal companies activities’ alignment is considered under the transport of freight sector and related screening criteria. This classification doesn’t enable to take into account key levers of transition and adaptation for the postal sector. Therefore, considering its growing importance, large environmental impact and specificities, the EU taxonomy should consider the postal sector as a specific sector to develop relevant technical screening criteria, particularly relevant for the climate and pollution objectives.
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