Applying good science
Setting and meeting ambitious targets
It is easy to set ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions and use less energy. The hard part is meeting them. At Firmenich, we are serious about doing both.
Business Ambition for 1.5°C
One way that we are holding ourselves publicly accountable for meeting our carbon reduction and energy efficiency targets is through ‘Business Ambition for 1.5°C’. We are one of 15 initial members of this coalition of now over 300 companies committed to a net zero carbon future by no later than 2050. As a member we have set verifiable targets that are independently assessed by the Science-Based Targets Initiative.
Science-Based Targets aligned with 1.5°C
Our targets are in line with levels prescribed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s special report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5 °C. They are:
100% renewable electricity
All of our operations worldwide are now powered by 100% renewable electricity – a first for our industry. This is confirmed by RE100, a global initiative of companies committed to use only renewable power. Our renewable electricity comes from local sources or the grid and we also work with suppliers and governments to develop green power, including onsite solutions based on wind and solar.
Case Studies
Renewable electricity
In South Africa, a year-round sunny region which boasts readily accessible solar energy, we installed solar photovoltaic panels that will yield more than 315 MWh/year, about 70% of our site’s total usage. This new project will save approximately 275 metric tons of CO2 per year.
In Gujarat, India, we installed solar photovoltaic modules that will generate 121,320 kwh/year and reduce CO2 emissions by 104 metric tons per year. This progress supports the government regional plan to exceed 30,000 MW of renewable energy by 2022 and our target of 100% renewable electricity worldwide.
Acting on climate, water and waste
Urgent and concerted global action is needed to address climate change. We are acting to minimize our impact on climate change and aim to lead our industry towards zero carbon emission.
