24.02.2022 - Sustainability
WEPA Group climate targets validated by Science Based Targets Initiative.
The climate crisis is a tangible fact for all of us, be it in the shape of water scarcity, species extinction, climate change or immediate impacts such as droughts and extreme rainfall. These phenomena represent enormous challenges to our society and render action essential.
WEPA is very aware of its responsibility as an industrial company, and thus supports the Paris Climate Agreement with its group-wide sustainability strategy. The company joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) as recently as April 2021.
As a consequence, the WEPA Group analysed its carbon footprint, drew up a complete climate balance, defined climate targets based on SBTi methodology and backed these up with specific measures. These science-based targets have now been both validated and approved by the SBTi.
The social objective of the Paris Climate Agreement is a limitation of global warming to 1.5 degrees. WEPA now also contributes with its science-based goal and has committed through the SBTi to reduce its own emissions by 52.5% until 2030.
WEPA commits to reducing emissions by 52.5% until 2030. Our long-term vision is to become climate neutral by 2040. At WEPA, the focus is on energy efficiency measures and the reduction of emissions.
The WEPA Group pursues ambitious, science-based targets. Until 2030 we will reduce emissions from Scopes 1 & 2 and Scope 3 by 52.5% per tonne of products sold, based on the reference year 2019.
Scope 1 includes all emissions from our own production facilities (e.g. production processes) including purchased steam. Scope 2 includes emissions generated from the use of purchased electricity. Scope 3 summarises indirect emissions along the upstream and downstream supply chain.
With its target of reducing emissions by 52.5 % to 2030 as compared to 2019, the WEPA Group is making a measurable contribution to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
To achieve this goal, the WEPA Group will be implementing emission reduction and the following measures:
- A Group-wide energy management programme focused on energy efficiency measures and the enhanced use of renewable energy sources (taking into account both purchased and own production, for example at our plant in Italy)
- Innovative technologies and partnerships, such as the Düren model factory (explanation: a research building with laboratories and technical centre will be constructed by 2024. Among other focus areas, research will be conducted here on efficient process technology, digitalisation and the supply of renewable energies for the paper industry.)
- Scope 3 reduction measures together with our long-term partners in the field of fibre purchasing and logistics
The WEPA Group is thus making a major contribution to a limitation of global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
More information on the WEPA sustainability strategy can be found here.