Muscat – In an effort to bolster environmental sustainability, Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA) is contemplating the adoption of electric vehicles and e-scooters for postal delivery. The move is part of a broader vision aimed at reducing emissions and integrating green practices across the postal sector.

The comprehensive plan, outlined in a public consultation document – Postal Sector Environmental Sustainability Initiatives – encompasses not just the deployment of renewable energy across offices, vehicles and touchpoints, but also promotes practices that foster environmental stewardship.

According to the authority, there is need to offset the environmental impact caused by the heightened demand for postal and delivery services spurred by the rise of e-commerce. The increased use of commercial and private vehicle fleets for postal activities has inadvertently affected the environment, necessitating a shift towards more sustainable options.

TRA informed of its intention to ‘contribute to achieving the Oman Vision 2040 Environmental pillar’ by implementing sustainability initiatives that focus on emission reduction, pollution control and energy conservation within postal operations.

To ensure the proposed initiatives align with practical needs and expectations of the industry, TRA has called for a public consultation. ‘The authority would like to publicly consult all relevant stakeholders – postal, courier companies, green vehicle suppliers, investors, consumers and any other relevant sector – on the proposed initiatives in this document and the potential for investment in sustainable services,’ a statement said.

TRA is also seeking feedback on the feasibility of implementing these green initiatives, besides setting reasonable targets and timelines for execution.

Beyond the initiatives related to vehicles and energy use, TRA has proposed several other sustainability measures. These include efficient use of packaging and recycling, utilisation of locally produced packaging materials to reduce emissions from international shipping, procuring from sustainable suppliers, reducing printing of invoices and forms, enhancing digital invoicing, promoting digital payments, and digitising customs operations to minimise paper documents.

Additionally, to bolster awareness of these green initiatives, TRA plans to designate a ‘Green Post Day’ and develop staff awareness surrounding energy management.

TRA’s comprehensive plan to transition the postal sector to more sustainable practices aligns with the global push for environmentally responsible operations.