Our actions
We recognise the need to shift to a zero-carbon economy. The validation
of our science-based targets by the Science Based Targets initiative –
described under ‘Our actions’ on the opposite page – has given
us a clear roadmap for doing so. These targets are aimed at catalysing
climate action, accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy and
building a thriving world.
- We have established global 2030 decarbonisation targets. The first
is to reduce carbon emissions by 41.5% per ton of product by 2030.
Our second target is to ensure that 44% of our suppliers (by spend)
have science-based targets by 2026. Each region’s decarbonisation
plan is based on a combination of capital investments in assets,
process efficiency improvements and increased purchases of
renewable energy. These targets have been validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative, which means that our stakeholders can
rest assured that we are fully committed to doing our fair share to
decarbonise our value chain.
- We are advantaged in that the trees in our plantations absorb and
store significant amounts of carbon. We harvest what we grow and
replant so that carbon stocks remain stable. The total standing carbon
stock in live biomass in our plantations is 38.25 million tCO2e – as
confirmed by an external carbon accounting company.
- Recognising that what isn’t measured can’t be managed, we’re
collaborating with the World Resources Institute to compile a
greenhouse gas inventory for companies to track their land-related
emissions and removals.
- As we experience the impacts of a changing climate on our woodfibre
sources, so we are intensifying our focus on climate research. Our
world-leading tree improvement programmes which focus, among
other things, on mitigating the impacts of climate change, are a
core pillar of our competitive advantage. Further details can be
found in our group Sustainability Report, available at www.sappi.com/sustainability.
About our tree improvement programmes
Research and development of genetically
improved planting stock has been conducted
at Sappi’s Shaw Research Centre in Howick
since 1985, almost 40 years. Tree improvement
is aimed at increasing pulp yield produced
per hectare by testing various species and
hybrids across Sappi’s diverse landholdings.
Besides growth improvements, trees are bred
for superior wood properties and resistance
to biotic and abiotic threats including frost,
drought, pests and diseases.
Performance against our Thrive25 target aligned with SDG13:
Climate Action
Thrive25 target |
2019 base |
2022 target |
2022 performance |
Assessment of performance |
Decrease specific greenhouse gas (Scope 1 and 2) emissions by 20% |
1,708.5 kgCO2e/adt |
1,494.3 kgCO2e/adt |
1,765.5 kgCO2e/adt |
|
Decrease specific purchased fossil energy by 21% |
17.3 GJ/adt |
14.9 GJ/adt |
17.6 GJ/adt |
|