Lenovo to halve emissions as part of science-based targets

Computer manufacturer Lenovo has unveiled new science-based targets to halve emissions from its operations and reduce value chain impacts by 25% by 2030, with a view to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

The new targets have been approved by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) and are aligned to limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, as envisioned by the Paris Agreement.

By 2030, Lenovo will reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions related to operations and including energy purchased for electricity, heat, steam and cooling by 50%. In the same timeframe, value chain emissions – including the use of sold products, purchased goods and services and upstream transportation – will be reduced by 25%.

The company claims the targets will assist with the identification of steps required to become a net-zero emissions business by 2050.

“We’re incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made so far in reducing our impact on the environment through conscious effort, as well as investments across our operations,” Lenovo’s chief executive Yang Yuanqing said.

 “We, and other global companies like us, need to act promptly as the world is needing real environmental action. As a result, we are going further than ever before to set ambitious future targets so that we can build a better future where smarter technology continues to empower everyone, everywhere.”

The new goals were unveiled alongside Lenovo’s new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report. The report details progress against ESG targets to date and confirms that Lenovo has reduced emissions by 92% since 2010, well surpassing a 40% reduction target.

The setting of science-based targets is one of the key steps that businesses can take to assist with a green recovery that helps nations to build back better from the coronavirus.

At the start of the pandemic, more than 150 business giants, including Carlsberg, H&M and Pernod Ricard, with a combined market capitalisation of more than $2.4trn, signed a joint statement calling on all governments to align coronavirus economic responses to climate science.

The companies, which also include Coca-Cola European Partners, JLL and Sky, are calling for policies that will build resilience against future climate shocks and risks by supporting the ambitions of the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise to within 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. This, in turn, would support a global transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 – the date of the UK and EU’s net-zero targets.

For more proactive steps that businesses can take to assist with the green recovery, check out edie’s Green Recovery Business Roadmap. The report details eight steps businesses can take to transform their approach to sustainability. Download the report here.

Matt Mace