We’re on the road to Net Zero
We are proud that we have been certified as a Carbon Positive business for the past three years, and environmental sustainability and animal welfare are at the heart of our business - but there is always more that can and should be done. So that is why we took the next step and made our public commitment to Net Zero.
But what exactly is Net Zero? And why do targets need to be science based? Isn’t Carbon Positive enough? Good questions… In this article we’ll try to shed some light on these for you.
Isn’t Carbon Positivity enough?
Put simply, no. While being Carbon Positive is fantastic, it’s not enough for us. Being carbon positive involves balancing double the amount of CO2e that we emit, by offsetting it through carbon credits or renewable energy projects. It’s a way for us to take responsibility for our impact today - it’s a great step in the right direction, but by no means our end destination.
So what is Net Zero?
Net Zero goes a step further by aiming to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, with only remaining emissions being balanced through offsetting. This is why most Net Zero targets are classed as ‘long term’ and usually have dates from 2040 onwards - It takes time to reduce carbon, especially throughout a supply chain.
Why should targets be ‘science based’?
Science Based Targets provide a clear pathway for companies to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, helping to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. These targets are aligned with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement — to limit global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
The importance of Science Based Targets cannot be overstated. They enable businesses like ours to play a crucial role in driving down global emission levels through measurable and verifiable standards. By aligning our targets with these goals, we are committing to a scientifically validated plan, that contributes to global mitigation efforts against climate change.
What are your targets?
We have set ambitious science-based targets to align with the Paris Agreement's goals. By 2030, we aim to reduce our Scopes 1 and 2 emissions by 42%, and by 2040, we plan to achieve a 90% reduction across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, using 2023 as our baseline.
We have responded to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) urgent call for corporate climate action, and committed to align with 1.5°C and net-zero through the Business Ambition for 1.5°C campaign. We are delighted that you can now find us listed as 'Committed' in the SBTi database.
What’s next?
Publicly committing to our targets with the SBTi is a big moment for us, but we know that’s the easy part!. Submitting our targets to the SBTi for their rigorous official validation is next.
Alongside this, our focus will remain on implementing our carbon reduction plan and sharing our progress transparently.
About the Author
Shelley Harrison is Brand and Communications Manager at Agria Pet Insurance.
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