Pledge 6 - Set scope 3 science-based target

Scope 3 emissions: beyond our control but not beyond our influence

When we committed to our carbon pledges in 2020, we recognised that we had a limited understanding of the scale of the emissions in our value chain beyond the small number of scope 3 emissions we had reported for over ten years.

We pledged to quantify the emissions and to set a science-based target to reduce them in line with our ambitious targets for scope 1 and 2 emissions (those we own and have control over).

Together with EcoAct, an Atos company (an international sustainability consultancy), we produced an inventory of the relevant emissions using the GHG Protocol guidance and explored the target options recommended by the Science Based Target Initiative.

We have chosen two targets to obtain maximum coverage of our value chain emissions:

• A supplier engagement target that 66 per cent of our construction services suppliers (by emissions) will set their own science-based target by 2025; and
• An emission reduction target to reduce absolute emissions for the remainder of scope 3 categories by 25 per cent by 2030, from a 2020 baseline.

Our supplier engagement target enables us to focus on the important area of carbon in construction. Our current estimate of scope 3 construction emissions is based on spend and this target will help transition to actual emissions reporting for this activity. This target aligns with our drive for efficiency, innovation and collaboration.

The absolute reduction target for the remainder of our scope 3 emissions will ensure we align to a trajectory needed to limit global warming to 'well below' 2˚C.

De-carbonisation efforts across society will support further success with this target, as can be seen with the momentum behind low-carbon vehicles and energy sources. We believe we can go further and show leadership in areas of opportunity and challenge specific to our operations and climate change objectives.