Source: VRT

The national post operator of Belgium has extended its 100% emission-free mail and parcel deliveries to the entire Brussels Region. While the city of Brussels has been served entirely by electric vans and bicycles since 2022, the remaining municipalities in the region have now been added to Bpost’s sustainable delivery operations.

“Brussels is the first European capital where a parcel company delivers completely emission-free, this is an important step towards achieving emission-free operations throughout Belgium by approximately 2030” said Nicolas Baise, COO of bpost Belgium.

Eco-friendly delivery vehicles are increasingly visible across Belgium, with Mechelen being the first Belgian city to achieve 100% emission-free parcel deliveries, and cities such as Bruges, Namur, Leuven, and Brussels following shortly thereafter.

Bpost plans to deploy approximately 500 electric vans throughout Brussels, complimented by electric bicycles on 60 delivery routes, primarily in the city center, according to Baise.

The company aims to expand emission-free coverage to a third of Belgian households by next year, up from the current one-quarter, with the goal of nationwide emission-free deliveries by approximately 2030.

Green transport powered by green energy

Implementing the emission-free initiative requires significant infrastructure additions. Bpost is establishing sufficient charging stations for its fleet of electric vehicles and bicycles, all powered by green energy. The company is also generating part of its own electricity through solar panels, installed across roughly 50,000 square meters of its buildings nationwide.

In addition, the company is investing in parcel lockers. “This also allows us to reduce the number of kilometers and therefore greenhouse gases. All these investments address the needs of our customers, both at home and online stores. Businesses are working on their green credentials, and a key part of that is transport to the customer.” adds Baise.