The Environmental Measurement and Monitoring System (EMMS) was developed in 2008, in direct response to requests from CEOs working throughout the postal industry. The system was built with the aim of implementing a common carbon measurement and reporting framework, in line with customer requirements and stakeholder expectations. A pilot of the system was carried out in 2008, in collaboration with our EMMS participants.
In 2009, the full programme was rolled out with the first data collected and progress measured for the 2008 calendar and financial reporting year. This represents the benchmark year of the EMMS programme. The objective is to drive both carbon management proficiency and performance by providing a common reporting structure for posts to disclose their environmental management strategies and achievements.
EMMS participants employ around 2.0 million staff across the globe at over 100,000 facilities, with well over half a million delivery and transport vehicles. Through fuel combustion, the energy used to heat and cool buildings and several other sources, these companies release significant volumes of CO2 into the atmosphere. At IPC, we are working to systematically address these impacts and collaborating to combat global climate change across the sector through our EMMS programme.
We believe that through the sharing of knowledge and the encouragement of positive action, the entire postal industry will be able to lower its environmental impacts, thus addressing stakeholder concerns about its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.