Environment

USE OF RESOURCES
Norway Post is a user of both renewable and non-renewable resources. Non-renewable fossil fuels are used for both fuel and heating. In addition Norway Post also uses electrical energy in the operation of its buildings and the sorting process. Electricity can be produced from a renewable resource such as hydro-electric power, or from non-renewable sources such as gas and coal. Both the production of fossil fuel and hydro-electricity impact on the natural environment. Such an impact on nature can influence biodiversity. The production of energy from fossil fuels and its transportation can cause pollution to the sea and air.

AIR POLLUTION AND CLIMATE
The use of fossil fuels for heating and as fuel causes Norway Post to be a polluter. Transport activities are the principle cause of air pollution. Combustion of fossil fuels causes among other things, the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere which can lead to an increase in the greenhouse effect and to climate change. Nitrous oxide (NOx) and particulate matter are other significant pollutants produced as a result of the combustion process and these cause, among other things, local air pollution. Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrous oxide (NOx) cause acid rain.

WASTE
Waste is a by-product of Norway Post’s production processes and use. Waste products at Norway Post are largely cardboard, paper, plastic, glass, electrical and electronic equipment, food waste, chemical /special waste products, furniture and office equipment. Waste must be collected and treated in an environmentally responsible way in order to reduce the problems of ground- and water pollution, climatic pollution and waste dumping. Waste can also be a resource. A percentage of waste products can be immediately re-used. Much of the waste we produce contains elements that can be re-used, either through recycling or by generating energy from the waste products.

NOISE
Norway Post’s contribution to environmental noise pollution comes largely from its transport operations. The greatest source is vehicle noise. Through its purchase of transport services Norway Post also contributes to aeroplane noise.

WATER AND AIR POLLUTION
Norway post releases its waste water into communal drainage systems. Waste water can lead to the release of phosphorus, nitrogen and various chemical compounds such as cleaning products into fjords and water courses. Norway Post also has a small number of underground oil and fuel tanks where leakage could pollute land and groundwater with fuel oil.