Emerson plans to achieve net zero operations by 2030

Global technology and software solutions leader Emerson announced on Wednesday its sustainability strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions by 2045.

The company said it plans to reach net zero across its own operations for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 and drive a 25% reduction in its Scope 3 value chain emissions compared to a 2021 baseline. Emerson detailed its goal to reach net zero and its environmental, social and governance progress in its 2021 ESG report published on Wednesday.

“We help enable the low-carbon transition of some of the largest companies and most critical industries around the world,” Lal Karsanbhai, Emerson’s president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

“Our net zero goal is a vital step forward as we evolve our business and contribute to a more sustainable world,” he said.

Emerson has aligned its sustainability approach to the Net-Zero Standard set by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), the leading organisation driving science-based target adoption, the company said.

The 2030 near-term targets have been approved by SBTi as consistent with the 1.5°C trajectory required to meet the goals of the Paris agreement. Emerson has also committed to validate its long-term 2045 net zero target, in line with the SBTi’s Net-Zero Standard, the company said.

“In addition to the depth of our own sustainability roadmap, Emerson’s products, software and services help enable our customers, suppliers and partners to achieve their sustainability objectives,” said Mike Train, Emerson’s senior vice president and chief sustainability officer. “In the face of climate change, we believe driving at-scale adoption of energy transition solutions can make a net zero future a reality.”

In a recent interview with Energy Connects, Train had outlined how the Fortune 500 company’s commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation is shaping its solutions and partnerships for the global energy industry.

Emerson’s 2021 ESG report also highlights social and governance progress. Emerson hired its first chief people officer, continued to expand the use of ESG metrics in its compensation programs, and advanced its diversity, equity and inclusion goals and employee programs.

“The support and energy from the Board of Directors and the management team is setting the tone for the future direction and culture of Emerson,” said Elizabeth Adefioye, Emerson’s senior vice president and chief people officer. “I am excited by our ESG goals and the progress we are making on so many fronts.”