Drees & Sommer commits to ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets on Earth Day: Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) validates net-zero climate pathway by 2045
Under the motto “You make the difference”, Earth Day aims to dispel doubts about individual contributions to combating global warming. “Every contribution counts,” says Johanna Wild, Head of Corporate Sustainability Management at Drees & Sommer. Earth Day mobilizes over a billion people in more than 150 countries worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions faster and drive sustainable transformation.
From Plus Energy houses to Cradle to Cradle: Drees & Sommer is helping to shape a climate-friendly future
Drees & Sommer has been supporting the sustainable transformation of construction, real estate and infrastructure projects for decades. The company develops zero carbon roadmaps and focuses on Plus Energy houses and the Cradle to Cradle approach. “Companies and financial institutions have a central role to play in the fight against the climate crisis; they must significantly increase the scope and speed of greenhouse gas reductions in order to maintain their competitiveness. It is therefore only logical that our own sustainability targets are ambitious and, above all, scientifically sound,” says Dr. Peter Mösle, Senior Executive at Drees & Sommer.
The net-zero climate pathway from Drees & Sommer
According to the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol, greenhouse gas emissions are divided into three categories: Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3. Scope 1 includes all direct emissions generated within the company itself. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions caused by the purchase of energy such as electricity. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions along the value chain - as far as Drees & Sommer is concerned, these are primarily caused by purchased goods and services, business travel and employees' commuting.
Near-term targets
Drees & Sommer commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 42 % by 2030 from a 2023 base year. Drees & Sommer also commits to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel- and energy-related activities, business travel and employee commuting 51.6 % per FTE within the same timeframe.
Long-term targets
Drees & Sommer commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90 % by 2045 from a 2023 base year. Drees & Sommer also commits to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel- and energy-related activities, business travel, and employee commuting 97 % per FTE within the same timeframe.
Biggest lever for CO2 savings in mobility
Johanna Wild explains: “We switched to 100 % green electricity early on and equipped our offices sustainably. The biggest lever for CO2 savings lies in mobility: we are focusing on electrifying our company car fleet, climate-friendly commuting options and reducing air travel. We are also working closely with suppliers to increase the proportion of recyclable products.”