Climate Tiers

The UPU’s fourth Extraordinary Congress, held in Riyadh in October 2023, approved voluntary targets for the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions for the UPU network, as well as the means of achieving those targets.

A three-tiered approach has been developed to facilitate the achievement of these targets. Each designated operator can, on a discretionary basis, choose to join a tier that reflects its current capabilities and ambitions for climate action.

Tier 1

Tier 1 comprises designated operators that have established mechanisms for emission measurement, monitoring and reduction. These designated operators have existing plans for implementation and have published firm commitments for emission reduction by 2030.

Designated operators from the following UPU Member Countries have registered for Tier 1:

Tier 2

Tier 2 comprises designated operators that are in the process of establishing individual emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2050, but may require capacity-building support, climate finance and technical assistance.

Designated operators from the following UPU Member Countries have registered for Tier 2:

Tier 3

Tier 3 comprises designated operators that are focused on long-term commitments for 2050. These designated operators require extensive support, including financing and technical assistance, to build their capacities. Fifteen designated operators have joined Tier 3.

Requirements and expectations

Tier 1 Requirements and capabilities:

  1. Established climate accounting and reporting mechanisms;
  2. Demonstrable experience in implementing, or plans to implement, emission reduction measures;
  3. Commitment to a collective tier 1 emission reduction target of 30% by 2030;
  4. Specific published emission reduction targets for 2030;
  5. Ability to independently finance or acquire funding for emission reduction initiatives.

Tier 1 Expectations:

  1. Publish an individual emission reduction target for 2050;
  2. Regularly and transparently report to the IB on progress and initiatives;
  3. Voluntarily share good practices and provide technical assistance to tier 2 and 3 designated operators;
  4. Engage with stakeholders, including customers, employees and suppliers, in emission reduction efforts.

Tier 2 Requirements and capabilities:

  1. Readiness to establish climate accounting and reporting mechanisms;
  2. Ability to develop and implement emission reduction measures, with the necessary support;
  3. Ability to communicate the level of financing and support required.

Tier 2 Expectations:

  1. Work towards publishing individual emission reduction targets for 2030 and 2050, subject to receiving the necessary support;
  2. Develop a detailed proposal for the financing and capacity building required;
  3. Report on progress once support has been acquired and implementation has started;
  4. Participate in capacity-building and training programmes.

Tier 3 Requirements and capabilities:

  1. Readiness to work towards long-term emission reduction targets;
  2. Ability to develop climate accounting and reporting mechanisms with external support, taking into account efforts made elsewhere to avoid duplication of work;
  3. Dependence on financial support and technical assistance.

Tier 3 Expectations:

  1. Make aspirational commitments for 2050, or as close as possible to 2050, subject to receiving the necessary financing and technical assistance;
  2. Develop an outline plan of the technical assistance and financing required;
  3. Engage with the International Bureau and other supporting entities to develop capacity;
  4. Report on progress as capacities develop, and actively participate in support programmes.