Reducing our carbon footprint
Climate change is an urgent challenge and we are working to reduce our carbon footprint. We strongly believe that all companies have an obligation to the planet and to future generations to play their part in the global effort to mitigate the climate crisis.
Accelerating our decarbonization efforts
Imerys is committed to taking action to combat climate change and since 2017 has a climate change roadmap in line with the Paris Agreement. In 2018, we joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to ensure our targets are based on scientific criteria.
To go further and faster, in 2022 we made a public pledge to align our strategy with the 1.5°C trajectory and set near-term sustainability targets for the next seven years (2023-2030). Our updated greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets for 2030 that we present below were reviewed and validated by the SBTi in 2023.
Five levers to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 & 2)
We are committed to reduce the direct (scope 1) and indirect (scope 2) GHG emissions from our operations by 42% (tons of CO₂ equivalent) by the end of 2030 from a 2021 base year, in alignment with the 1.5°C trajectory.
We pursue our target of reducing these emissions through improving energy efficiency and recovery, switching from fossil fuels to biofuels and biomass, electrifying our processes, increasing the use of renewable electricity, and investing in research and development to reduce process-related emissions.
Working closely with our suppliers and customers to reduce scope 3 emissions
We know that managing our own carbon emissions is not enough. Our main source of scope 3 (or value chain) emissions is generated from the purchase of raw materials, and we work with our suppliers to identify levers to keep emissions as low as possible. We are committed to reduce these emissions by 25% by the end of 2030 from a 2021 base year.
Managing climate stakes transparently and systematically
In 2023, Imerys was rated B for its climate change program by CDP, the global environmental charity which runs the disclosure system for investors, companies, cities and governments to report and manage their environmental impacts. This positions Imerys in the second-highest band, meaning the Group manages climate stakes in a concrete and systematic way. Our comprehensive environmental reporting is available to the public via the CDP.
Imerys Al Zayani Bahrain is celebrating the inauguration of a 4.7-megawatt solar power plant, marking a significant stride towards sustainability and cost reduction. The collaborative effort supports Imerys’ 2030 goal to align its activities with the 1.5°C trajectory, contributing over 15% reduction in GHG emissions for the white fused alumina production plant.
Imerys was invited to take part in the 5th edition of the National Renewable Energy (EnR) Entreprises Conference, held on Tuesday, January 16th, at the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Paris. The Group presented a concrete example of its strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations through the use of renewable energy.
On October 24, Imerys announced the start of the EMILI project in the presence of government officials, elected representatives and local authorities.
The future of construction is sustainable. That future is what Imerys scientists recently exhibited at the Calcined Clays for Sustainable Concrete event in Lausanne, Switzerland with their white paper on low CO2 binder acceleration technology.