Science-based targets show companies how much and how quickly they need to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to prevent the worst effects of climate change.
The SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) that defines, validates, and records science-based targets. More than 1,000 UK companies currently have targets validated, with just under 6,000 globally.
Denmaur now appears on the SBTi website with a 2030 near-term declaration to reduce its scope 1 and 2 emissions (from fuels, vehicles, and purchased electricity) in line with the 1.5ºC pathway set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The company is also required to update and publish its progress towards this target each year.
Denmaur marketing and sustainability director Danny Doogan said: “We have operated a robust carbon policy for some time, running side-by-side reduction and offsetting programmes.
“Aligning with the SBTi enables us to immediately focus on deep cuts to our operational emissions, whilst committing to becoming more transparent with our GHG disclosures.”
Denmaur’s near-term reduction target of 46% by 2030 is based on its 2019 footprint and also includes the 2019 carbon footprint of its Bescot operation, which was acquired from Middleton Paper in 2022.
“With our near-term target now proudly validated, we are beginning to plan our net-zero target which will concentrate on our Scope 3 emissions,” said Doogan.
“These emissions, which will be much more challenging to reduce, are also relevant to the activities of our customers, such as product manufacture and upstream deliveries, for example.”
Denmaur has worked with carbon specialist Nero Carbon to measure its emissions in line with the standards, Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064-1. Denmaur will continue to work with Nero on submitting its long-term, net-zero target with the SBTi by September this year.
“We have a few more steps to complete our scope 3 emissions measurement and reduction strategy, but as the business currently stands, we intend to commit to achieving net-zero by 2040, well ahead of the 2050 global deadline,” said Doogan.
“In the meantime, we intend to share our experience with customers and suppliers and assist with carbon measurements and opportunities to meet reduction targets.”
