Our ambition is to become the greenest courier in Canada by achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. We acknowledge our responsibility to manage the impacts of our operations on the environment and the imperative to address climate change.
We have made strategic investments to reduce our GHG emissions, decarbonize our fleet, increase energy efficiency at our sites and increase our landfill waste diversion.
Key areas we are reducing our environmental impact
Fleet emissions
Deploying alternative-fuel vehicles, renewable diesel and low-carbon technologies.
Building emissions
Installing energy-efficient equipment and procuring renewable electricity.
Fuel consumption
Optimizing routes and operations, training drivers and using telematics.
Value chain emissions
Engaging suppliers and customers to reduce Scope 3 emissions.
Waste
Reducing waste and standardizing recycling in our operations.
Our Science Based Targets
Purolator is proud to announce our science-based near and long-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions targets have been approved by The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Purolator has committed to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050. This is another important step towards being an industry leader and making collective progress to a more sustainable future. Below are the approved targets.
Near-Term Targets
- Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 42.7 per cent by 2030 from a 2020 base year. Purolator’s scope 1 and 2 target is in line with the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement - 1.5°C.
- Increase annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 0 per cent in 2020 to 100 per cent by 2030.
- Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel-energy related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, and waste generated in operations 25 per cent by 2030 from a 2020 base year.
Long-Term Targets
- Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90 per cent by 2050 from a 2020 base year.
- Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90 per cent within the same timeframe.
2023 Highlights
2024 Highlights
To avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change, we are doing our part by setting 2030 goals that put us on the path to net-zero by 2050. Our ambitious science-based target uses a 2020 emissions baseline and the methodology set out by the Science Based Targets initiative. Our goals focus on taking meaningful action in key areas of our business that support our ambition to be the greenest courier in Canada.
We have developed a roadmap to our 2030 goals that puts us on the pathway to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Our ambitious science-based target uses a 2020 emissions baseline and the methodology set out by the Science Based Targets initiative. Our goals focus on taking meaningful action in key areas of our business that support our ambition to be the greenest courier in Canada.
We’re being recognized for our efforts
Cindy Bailey
Vice President and Corporate Sustainability Officer
We have set ambitious goals for ourselves, and we are working very hard every day to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our environment. We are committed to investing in alternative fuel vehicles and innovative low-carbon solutions to help us achieve our interim goals and net-zero emissions by 2050.”
Purolator is taking meaningful action to become the greenest courier in Canada while delivering a healthier workplace for its employees and fighting food insecurity across Canada. Discover how we are empowering our people, increasing health resources for our employees and their families and helping our neighbours in the communities we serve.
Diversity and Inclusion at Purolator
Purolator Health
Purolator Tackle Hunger®
Our Corporate Environmental Policy
Purolator is committed to high professional standards for our environmental practices. We acknowledge our responsibility to manage the impacts of our operations, address climate change risks and opportunities and strive for continuous improvement across our business.
Governance
To ensure responsible governance at the highest level, Purolator’s Board of Directors are responsible for oversight of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) matters through our ESG Board Committee.
Reducing Our Carbon Emissions
We measure Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 GHG emissions associated with our business through a comprehensive annual GHG emissions inventory prepared according to the ISO 14064-1 standard and the World Resources Institute (WRI) Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
2024 Accomplishments
- 14 per cent reduction in our Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions (2020 base year).
- 84 per cent reduction in Scope 2 GHG emissions (2020 base year) through renewable electricity procurement.
- 5 per cent decrease in absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions (2020 base year).
Our GHG Emissions Profile
As we scale up the electrification of our last-mile delivery fleet to approximately 3,500 vehicles by 2030 and continue to pilot and implement other low-carbon solutions and renewable fuels, we will begin to see a more significant reduction in our absolute emissions.
| GHG Emissions (Tonnes CO2e) | 2020 | 2023 | 2024 |
| Direct — Scope 1 | 137,3041 | 125,8181 | 122,594 |
| Indirect — Scope 2 | 6,743 | 2,036 | 1,092 |
| Other indirect — Scope 3 | 381,7921 | 367,5281 | 374,964 |
1 Prior year data has been restated due to updates to calculation methodologies and/or improved accuracy of data available.
2024 GHG Emissions
Scope 1
24.5%
Scope 2
0.3%
Scope 3
75.2%
Scope 1
Purolator owned and operated fleet
20.8%
On-site combustion of fuels
3.7%
Scope 2
Purchased electricity (market-based)
0.3%
Scope 3
Subcontracted/third-party ground, air and rail
42.0%
Waste generated at Purolator facilities and disposed of off-site
0.4%
Fuel and energy-related emissions (not included in Scope 1 and 2)
16.6%
Business travel
0.2%
Employee commuting
4.0%
Purchase goods and services
3.8%
Capital goods
8.1%
End-of-life treatment of sold goods
0.1%
Renewable Energy
In 2024, we continued to progress toward our goal by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from Bullfrog Power for our operations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, the Yukon, Alberta and a portion of our operations in Ontario. Over 4,000 tonnes of CO2e were offset in 2024 through the purchase of renewable electricity.
We have made strategic investments...
We have made strategic investments to reduce our GHG emissions, decarbonize our fleet, increase energy efficiency at our sites and increase our landfill waste diversion.
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See our 2024 Sustainability Report: Driving Forward
See our latest results in our 2023 Sustainability Report:
Going the Extra Mile
Partnerships and industry collaboration
We partner with organizations including:
Purolator is a founding member of the Urban Delivery Solutions Initiative (UDSI). The UDSI is a first-of-its-kind coalition of businesses, clean-energy providers, fleet operators and policy experts that together are tackling the growing problem of urban-freight emissions.
By partnering with Bullfrog Power, Purolator supports the development of sustainable, renewable energy infrastructure in communities across Canada. Bullfrog’s green electricity is a blend of wind, solar and low-impact hydro power sourced from new Canadian renewable energy facilities.
Purolator is participating in Coop Carbone’s last-mile certification pilot project in Quebec. The certification focuses on zero-emission bike and all-electric vehicle last-mile deliveries. The ambition is to develop a truly green and ethical delivery offer across the province.
North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) and RMI’s Run on Less — Electric (RoL-E) campaign. RoL-E is a best-in-class technology demonstration that showcases advancements in freight efficiency spread across two countries, showing electric truck technology in everyday operation.
News and Updates
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Single largest network investment in our 60-year history
Plan to invest $1 billion in fleet decarbonization to achieve 2030 emissions goals.
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City of Ottawa and Purolator showcase a package of green delivery options
Unveil new fleet of e-bikes and electric low-speed vehicles operating in the city.
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Purolator has delivered more than two million packages using all-electric vehicles
We are proud to have delivered more than two million packages using our electric vehicles—an important milestone in our fleet electrification journey.
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Archive
Read our 2023 Sustainability Report
Read our 2023 Sustainability Highlights Report
Read our 2023 Verification Statement
Read our 2023 GRI & SASB Index
Read our 2022 Sustainability Report
Read our 2022 Sustainability Summary Report
Read our 2022 Verification Statement
Read our 2022 GRI & SASB Index
Read our 2021 Sustainability Report
Read our 2021 Sustainability Summary Report
Read our 2021 Verification Statement
Read our 2021 GRI & SASB Index
Read our 2020 Sustainability Report
Read our 2020 Verification Statement
Read our 2019 Sustainability Report
Read our 2018 Sustainability Report
Purolator is committed to delivering a better future.
Partner with a shipping provider who cares. Purolator will help you deliver on your promises – with less environmental impact.
