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
Achieved an 11 per cent reduction in absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (2020 baseline), with the goal of reducing by 42 per cent by 2030.
Exceeded its 2030 landfill waste diversion goal, reaching a 72 per cent diversion rate from landfills seven years ahead of schedule.
Reduced emissions from electricity use by 70 per cent through the procurement of renewable sources (2020 baseline), with a goal of 100 per cent by 2030.
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
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.
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.
2023 Accomplishments
- Scope 1, 2 and 3 science-based GHG emissions reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
- Transitioned over 500,000 litres of fuel from diesel to renewable diesel, significantly lowering the environmental impact of operations.
- Developed our 2030 fleet decarbonization roadmap to help us achieve our emissions reduction goals and 60% electrification of our last-mile delivery vehicles.
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) | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
| Direct — Scope 1 | 147,130 | 133,139 | 123,408 |
| Indirect — Scope 2 | 4,682 | 3,841 | 2,036 |
| Other indirect — Scope 3 | 379,606 | 354,442 | 324,271 |
Our GHG Emissions Performance
2023 GHG Emissions by Scope (tCO2e)
Scope 1
123,408
Scope 2
2,036
Scope 3
324,271
2023 GHG Emissions by Source (tCO2e)
Purolator owned and operated fleet
102,072
On-site combustion of fuels
21,337
Purchased electricity (market-based)
2,036
Subcontracted/third-party, air and rail
196,651
Waste generated at Purolator facilities and disposed of off-site
1,920
Fuel and energy-related emissions (not included in Scope 1 and 2)
78,667
Business travel
6,380
Employee commuting
1,058
Purchase goods and services
19,649
Capital goods
19,947
Renewable Energy
In 2023, we continued to progress toward our goal by purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from Bullfrog Power for our operations in Alberta and Nova Scotia. In 2023, we reduced our Scope 2 emissions by 70 per cent compared to our 2020 baseline. 3,650 tonnes of CO2e offset in 2023 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 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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Received top accolades for taking significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Canada’s Clean50 and Clean16 Awards presented to organizations and individuals leading the way in climate action
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Archive
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.
