"We are proud of the independent validation of our ambitious emission reduction targets for 2030 by the Science Based Targets initiative. This step encourages us even more to continuously develop our groupwide sustainability strategy ‘Growing in Balance’ as one of the strategic fields of action and thus to contribute to a future worth living in," says Hans-Peter Gai, Chief Operating Officer (COO) and responsible for sustainability in the executive board. "The validation by SBTi is another proof to show our stakeholders that we are serious about our commitment to sustainability," he adds.

Südzucker Group has committed to reducing absolute GHG emissions from its own business operations (Scope 1) and absolute GHG emissions from the purchase of energy (Scope 2), by 50.4 percent by 2030 compared to the 2018 base year. By halving these emissions within just 12 years, Südzucker Group is making a contribution to limiting global warming to 1.5 degree. Südzucker Group has also committed to reducing absolute GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, fuel and energy related activities, and upstream transportation and distribution (Scope 3) by 30 percent by 2030 compared to the 2018 base year. Overall, Südzucker Group has committed to climate neutrality by 2050.

"The validation of our emission reduction targets is a great success for us, which we were only able to achieve thanks to the great commitment and close cooperation of many colleagues from different divisions and areas of our diversified group of companies," says Dr. Justyna Jaroszewska, Director Corporate Sustainability of Südzucker Group. "Also our overarching goal of climate neutrality by 2050 is a challenge that we can only master together with employees from all divisions and external partners. To realize our Scope 3 emission reduction target, for example, we are working hand in hand with our farmers."

Südzucker Group’s climate targets are underpinned by a clear and target-oriented action plan. In addition to the climate-neutral production, the path to climate neutrality also includes minimizing the GHG emissions of the supply chains and providing climate-friendly, biomass-based products for the non-food sector. In the area of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, in addition to ongoing efficiency measures, the focus is particularly on phasing out coal and thereby switching to lower-emission energy sources. To achieve Scope 3 reduction targets, the carbon farming project for example is investigating the suitability of various agricultural practices for reducing GHG emissions or sequestering carbon when growing sugar beet and chicory.

About SBTi
The Science Based Targets initiative is a collaboration established in 2015 between CDP, the UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to help companies set emission reduction targets.

SBTi has developed an internationally recognized standard that defines science-based greenhouse gas emission reduction targets that correspond to the level of decarbonization required to meet the global goals of the Paris Agreement.

For more information, please visit: https://sciencebasedtargets.org/