DS Smith announced their ambitious commitment to align their global operations to a 1.5 °C scenario as set out in the Paris Climate Agreement. The roadmap to 1.5 °C has been submitted for verification by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
To achieve this, they are accelerating the reduction of carbon emissions for our own operations, as well as those of our partners and suppliers, by committing to reducing our Scope 1, 2 and 3 Green House Gas (GHG) emissions by 46% on an absolute basis by 2030, compared to 2019 levels. These targets will keep them in line with their prior commitment to reach Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050.
This announcement demonstrates their ambition in reducing carbon as part of their long-term sustainability focus. This commitment not only ensures their business is leading the way in reducing our carbon footprint, but also guarantees they are challenging their suppliers and partners to do the same.
To deliver on this commitment, they will invest consistently over the next 28 years in their own operations. Investment will be made into the adoption of next generation engineering solutions, such as biomethane boiler technology. They will also harness self-generated renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, and power purchasing agreements to replace grid electricity.
They will also engage with all their strategic suppliers to encourage them to adopt science-based targets by 2027.