Syensqo, previously part of Solvay, has launched a climate pledge with its top suppliers to reduce its scope 3 emissions.
The science company aims for climate neutrality in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040 and a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, from a 2021 baseline.
Scope 1 refers to all direct emissions from owned or controlled sources; scope 2 to all indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy, electricity, heat, and steam; and scope 3 to all indirect emissions not included in scope 2 that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions. While scope 1 and even scope 2 emissions are relatively straightforward to calculate, scope 3 emissions are notoriously more elusive to grasp, as they are generated across the value chain. This makes it necessary to gather information and to collaborate along the value chain.
Syensqo’s climate pledge is a mutual agreement with at least its top CO2-emitting suppliers, around 70, who account for 80% of the group’s greenhouse gas emissions from raw materials purchased.
The pledge invites Syensqo’s top suppliers to set up a roadmap and milestones associated to reduce carbon footprint of products supplied; propose low-carbon products and researching alternatives; and set science-based targets aligned with the 1.5 degrees trajectory.
In return, Syensqo commits itself to embed raw material carbon footprint and scope 3 impact in request for quotation processes and market allocation; appoint resources to support and challenge suppliers in their decarbonisation journey; and develop strategic partnership with suppliers which commit to science-based targets aligned with the 1.5 degrees trajectory.
“The Syensqo Climate Pledge is a collaborative effort that emphasises the importance of partnership and shared responsibility in addressing climate change,” said Titta Rosvall-Puplett, Syensqo’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “By working closely with our suppliers, we aim to create a ripple effect of positive change in the sector, offering lower carbon solutions to our customers and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable world.”
Syensqo has also achieved validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for 2030.