Royal Mail has reduced its carbon emissions by 31% since 2021, maintaining its position as the UK’s greenest parcel operator* and making strong progress towards its Net-Zero target.
Data in its latest Sustainability Report, published today, show average emissions per parcel delivered fell to 164gCO2e, down by 6% on last year. Royal Mail’s total market-based emissions were 1,085KtCO2e in 2025–26, a 31% reduction on its 2020–21 base year and a 7% decrease year-on-year.
The reduction has been driven by continued investment in fleet electrification, the increased use of fossil-free biofuel Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in heavy goods vehicles, and energy efficiency improvements across Royal Mail’s estate.
Fleet electrification is central to Royal Mail’s Net-Zero strategy. The company deployed over 2,000 electric vans in the last year alone, expanding what is already the UK’s largest electric delivery fleet to over 8,500 vehicles. Nearly a third of its delivery routes are now zero-emission, with 44 delivery offices fully electric. Compared to diesel equivalents, electric vans also offer substantial savings on running, servicing and maintenance costs.
The company is also starting to decarbonise its national distribution network, introducing its first electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) in December. In the same month, Royal Mail’s first 80 micro electric vehicles (MEVs) were deployed across locations including London, Bristol, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Solihull, Brighton and the Scilly Isles, helping to cut emissions while improving delivery efficiency.
Jenny Hall, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Royal Mail, said: “We’re making great progress in cutting emissions and transforming Royal Mail into a smarter, greener and more resilient business. By investing in electric vehicles and cleaner fuels, we’re reducing our environmental impact while delivering a more reliable service for our customers and supporting healthier communities”.
(Royal Mail)
