This post was originally published on WBCSD
Roche has reached a significant milestone in its climate change efforts: the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has officially validated our net-zero targets. That means our targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero are aligned with the latest climate science to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Roche is determined to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its own operations and its value chain (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) by 2045. To stay on track, we’ve set clear near-term and long-term SBTi validated targets:
Near-Term Goals (by 2029, 2022 baseline):
- Reduce absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 70%
- Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel & energy, waste from company operations and business travel by 22.5%
- Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from use of sold products and end of life of sold products by 22.5%
- 70% of Roche’s suppliers by emissions covering Scope 3 purchased goods and services, capital goods and upstream transportation and distribution will have science-based targets
Long-Term Goal (by 2045, 2022 baseline):
- Reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 & 3 GHG emissions by 90% to achieve net zero
It is well understood that planetary health and human health are interconnected. The SBTi validation underscores our deep commitment to addressing climate change and enabling a sustainable future for all. We are prioritising significant reductions across our entire value chain to achieve these targets. Regarding Scope 1 and 2 emissions, we are even going beyond the SBTi targets, by striving for absolute zero by 2050. We are the only ones going for absolute zero in our industry, which makes me extremely proud.
Head of Corporate Strategy and Sustainability
Net-zero and absolute zero explained
Net-zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere and the amount removed from it. It involves reducing company operational and value chain emissions as far as possible and neutralising maximum 10 percent of emissions through permanent carbon removal methods such as carbon capture.
Achieving absolute zero means no GHGs are emitted from our operational activities, making this exceedingly challenging.
Our decarbonisation strategy in action
Climate change is a global crisis that is already having a devastating impact on human health. Rising temperatures are leading to more extreme weather events, such as heat waves, floods, and droughts, which can cause injury, illness, and death. Climate change is also contributing to the spread of infectious diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. Decarbonisation is crucial to combatting climate change.
We’re attacking emissions across all fronts:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from our operations.
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy.
- Scope 3: Emissions across our entire value chain.
Key actions include:
- Aiming for 100% sustainable electricity by the end of 2025 (86% achieved as of end 2024)
- Improving energy efficiency and transitioning to renewable sources like solar and wind. Genentech, for example, is a major solar energy producer in the San Francisco Bay Area
- Phasing out potent halogenated hydrocarbons and reducing other air pollutants
- Actively engaging with suppliers to embed sustainability across our supply chain
Our strategy, outlined in our Decarbonisation Roadmap, prioritises emissions reduction. Each Roche site has its own roadmap for Scope 1 and 2 emissions to cut energy use and switch to renewables, including innovative technologies like geothermal storage and heat pumps. We are also addressing Scope 3 emissions (which account for over 90% of our total emissions) across all business divisions. The four key levers for reduction are:
- Supplier Engagement: Collaborate with suppliers by setting expectations, educating on sustainability goals, and building a sustainable supplier base
- Product Lifecycle Decisions: Embed best practices in product design and lifecycle management (from design to end-of-life), focusing on reuse, recycling, circularity, and reducing component consumption
- Waste Management: Prioritise recycling and reuse over incineration, taking ownership of our waste by challenging over-packing and using reusable/returnable packaging
- Business Travel: Reduce business travel to minimise its environmental impact
Sustainability at Roche: A holistic approach
Roche takes a holistic approach to sustainability. Next to the environmental focus on achieving net zero emissions, minimising the environmental footprint of our products and protecting biodiversity and water resources, we also focus on societal issues, namely, improving access to healthcare, promoting health impact and creating an inclusive work environment where people can thrive.
This article first appeared on Roche’s website on 2 April 2025.
The post SBTi validates Roche’s net-zero targets first appeared on WBCSD.
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