You are here: Home > What the UN is doing > Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Universal Postal Union (UPU)

www.upu.int

HQ: Berne, Switzerland
Number of staff: 250
Number of locations: 1



Key figures*


Total emissions: 1,061 tonnes CO2 equivalent
Emissions per staff member: 4.2 tonnes CO2 equivalent
Emissions from air travel: 359 tonnes CO2 equivalent
Air travel as a proportion of total emissions: 34%
Air travel per staff member: 1.4 tonnes CO2
Building-related emissions: 70 kg CO2 equivalent per square metre

* Total emissions in 2009 were estimated to be 1,416 tonnes of CO2e, when taking into account emissions outside the boundary (paper and staff commuting).

“The Universal Postal Union has given its full support to the CEB's decision to move the UN organizations towards climate neutrality."

Edouard Dayan, Director General, Universal Postal Union (UPU)

Director General's Message


“The Universal Postal Union has given its full support to the CEB's decision to move the UN organizations towards climate neutrality. I see this commitment as an opportunity for the UPU as a secretariat. Not only are we setting an example to others but, in our efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of our activities, we are also uncovering more efficient and more intelligent management tools for our organizations. We must recognize that "business as usual" is no longer an option. In this context, the UPU is committed to reducing its carbon footprint on several fronts, and positioning itself as a responsible agency. The Climate Neutral UN initiative breaks new ground, and I hope it will serve as inspiration for many other bodies, individuals and organizations."

Edouard Dayan

Mission


Established in 1874, the UPU is the primary forum for cooperation between postal-sector players and helps to ensure a truly universal network of up-to-date products and services. With 191 member countries, this specialized agency of the United Nations fulfils an advisory, mediating and liaison role, and provides technical assistance where needed. It sets the rules for international mail exchanges and makes recommendations to stimulate growth in mail volumes and to improve the quality of service for customers. It has been part of the UN family since 1948, and as such participates in policies and actions to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. It provides concrete responses, out in the field, which have a direct impact on the life of populations, on business activities and on the economy of its member countries.

Some 5.5 million employees and 660,000 postal establishments make the postal network the largest physical distribution network in the world, delivering 435 billion letters and 6 billion parcels annually and offering a range of electronic and financial services.

The International Bureau – the UPU's headquarters – is located in Berne, Switzerland. It has a staff of about 250 employees drawn from more than 50 different countries. Fulfilling a secretariat function, the International Bureau provides logistical and technical support to the UPU's bodies. It serves as an office of liaison, information and consultation, and promotes technical cooperation among Union members. Seven regional project coordinators in the field strengthen the International Bureau's ability to assist Posts of developing countries in the most effective manner. They oversee the planning, preparation, implementation and follow-up of postal development projects in their respective regions.
 

Experience so far


The UPU’s emission-reduction strategy (ERS) was endorsed by the Management Committee in March 2011. Three of the five actions aimed at achieving the International Bureau’s emissions reduction objective of -20% by the end of 2012 (compared to 2008) were implemented during the first year:

  • The renovation of the UPU building facade, which was completed in early 2012 and is based on green building technology, is expected to reduce annual energy consumption by 58%.
  • The budget for upgrading to greener ICTs (1,250,000 CHF over a four-year period) was approved, and more energy-efficient computers were introduced in late 2011.
  • The travel approval form was updated to integrate e-communications, inviting staff travelling on mission to use e-communications instead of face-to-face meetings.

Reduction efforts
 

  • The vast majority of air travel by UPU staff (93%) has been in economy class since 2004.
  • For short journeys with good transport links, staff are asked to opt for travelling by train. As an incentive to staff choosing this option, they may travel first class, and the UPU offers to pay for a half-fare card for them to travel on public transport in Switzerland, which can also be used for private journeys.
  • The lighting system at UPU headquarters was entirely replaced in 2008, resulting in a 70% saving on electricity.
  • A company offering a more ecological service was awarded the cleaning contract in 2009.
  • The UPU has already benefited from UNEP expertise by jointly organizing a three-day training session on responsible procurement, entitled "Responsible procurement within the United Nations: buying for a better world".
  • The "UNite to combat climate change" logo will appear on 10 million international reply coupons in circulation between 2009 and 2013.
  • The UPU is developing e-communication technologies with the installation of videoconferencing rooms and provision of teleconference and webcast tools.
  • All traditional paper has been replaced with FSC-certified paper, and paper consumption is being cut by 5% each year.
  • The organization has opted for greener electricity (100% hydropower).
  • The charge for car park spaces has been raised and should therefore encourage employees to commute using greener means of transport.

Offsetting
 

The UPU's reduction commitment will be achieved through new reduction actions alone. At present, there are no plans to introduce offsetting measures. The UPU seeks first and foremost to avoid emissions. It will, in due course, consider the possibility of offsetting any that cannot be reduced. Nevertheless, this option could provide an attractive means of achieving total climate neutrality, as the organization cannot avoid emitting greenhouse gases completely. The UPU would therefore be willing to be involved in any common work carried out in this field by United Nations agencies.

Next steps
 

The UPU is currently preparing a training seminar on e-communications technologies (videoconferences, teleconferences, web meetings and Skype) to train and encourage its staff to use such technologies in lieu of travelling. Initially the training will be provided to staff who are frequent travellers (first half of 2012). It could then be extended to all staff in late 2012 or early 2013.

The UPU is also planning to gradually introduce recycled paper with a view to switching entirely by late 2013. It also plans to implement a "paperless" policy for large meetings and conferences in order to reduce annual paper consumption.
 

Find out more about UPU's efforts to address climate change in English and French
UPU case studies