Reducing our carbon footprint
Climate change is an urgent challenge and we are working to reduce our carbon footprint. We strongly believe that all companies have an obligation to the planet and to future generations to play their part in the global effort to mitigate the climate crisis.
Accelerating our decarbonization efforts
Imerys is committed to taking action to combat climate change and since 2017 has a climate change roadmap in line with the Paris Agreement. In 2018, we joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure our targets are based on scientific criteria.
To go further and faster, in 2022 we made a public pledge to align our strategy with the 1.5°C trajectory and set near-term sustainability targets for the next seven years (2023-2030). Our updated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for 2030 that we present below were reviewed and validated by the SBTi in 2023.
On 14 May 2024, we published our Climate Transition Plan report which describes the ways in which we are decarbonizing our operations and value chain, and adapting our product portfolio to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Five levers to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 & 2)
We are committed to reduce the direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2) GHG emissions from our operations by 42% (tons of CO₂ equivalent) by the end of 2030 from a 2021 base year, in alignment with the 1.5°C trajectory.
We pursue our target of reducing these emissions through improving energy efficiency and recovery, switching from fossil fuels to biofuels and biomass, electrifying our processes, increasing the use of renewable electricity, and investing in research and development to reduce process-related emissions.
Working closely with our suppliers and customers to reduce scope 3 emissions
We know that managing our own carbon emissions is not enough. Our main source of scope 3 (or value chain) emissions is generated from the purchase of raw materials, and we work with our suppliers to identify levers to keep emissions as low as possible. We are committed to reduce these emissions by 25% by the end of 2030 from a 2021 base year.
Managing climate stakes transparently and systematically
In 2023, Imerys was rated B for its climate change program by CDP, the global environmental charity which runs the disclosure system for investors, companies, cities and governments to report and manage their environmental impacts. This positions Imerys in the second-highest band, meaning the Group manages climate stakes in a concrete and systematic way. Our comprehensive environmental reporting is available to the public via the CDP.
Related documents
Using peanut shells as a source of energy? This is one approach we are implementing through our decarbonization lever: Fuel switching and Biomass use. We have launched a comprehensive program to identify, assess and implement projects to switch from fossil fuels, such as coal and heavy fuel oil, to natural gas (a fossil energy source that releases lower GHG emissions) and to biomass waste.
We’ll take you on a journey to America, Europe, the Middle East and China to discover some of our initiatives!
Are you ready to explore how low-carbon and renewable electricity can drive our journey to be compatible with the 1.5°C trajectory? As one of our five key decarbonization levers, it has the potential to reduce half of the emissions we need to achieve our -42% reduction target.
Let's dive into renewable Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) and the low impact electricity installations and projects we are deploying across the Group.
For this second article on our journey to 1.5°C, you will learn about our energy efficiency and recovery projects, which are expected to represent up to 20% of the Group’s emissions reduction potential by 2030. Join us on an immersion tour across some of our sites to discover some best practices and initiatives.
Our Andersonville plant in the USA is reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by fueling its kilns with a renewable local biomass source – peanut shells.