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Validated climate action: Science Based Targets initiative confirms intep’s net zero target

Intep is serious about climate protection. That is why we have had our climate targets reviewed by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi): independent and science-based. Our net-zero target by 2040 is now officially recognized, with a focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions. Here you can read how we intend to meet the challenge and how our customers will benefit from it.

Climate protection cannot succeed without the involvement of the business community. To ensure that companies’ climate targets do not become empty promises, they must be based on a reliable greenhouse gas balance and be in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. But how can you credibly prove that you are meeting these conditions?

Science Based Targets: The standard for corporate climate goals

This is where the SBTi comes in. It develops net zero standards for companies and supports them in developing science-based climate targets that help to limit global warming to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels. The SBTi is an alliance of the non-profit organization CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the We Mean Business Coalition, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Ambitious goal: Intep wants to be climate-neutral by 2040

Two years ago, we made a commitment at SBTi to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement. Our efforts were then subjected to a rigorous review. We are delighted that our net-zero target for 2040 has now been officially recognized by SBTi.

Less net, more zero

Three points had to be met for recognition (see table). The audit was carried out using a standardized process tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A key difference to other climate neutrality seals: In line with the motto “less net, more zero”, no offsetting – for example through the purchase of CO2 certificates or the financing of forest protection projects – is accepted.

Components of the corporate net-zero standardExpectations of SBTiPromises of intep
Near-term targetsRapidly and drastically reduce direct and indirect emissions to cut them by around 50% by 2030Reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 42% by 2030, with 2022 as the base year
Measure and reduce Scope 3 emissions
Long-term targetsEliminate all emissions where possible – usually over 90% – by 2050Reduce emissions from scopes 1, 2 and 3 by 98% by 2040, with 2022 as the base year
Neutralize residual emissionsPermanently neutralize remaining emissions through carbon capture and storage (CCS)Neutralize the remaining 2% and thus achieve net zero by 2040

Scope 3 challenge: Greenhouse gas balance according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is the most widely used standard for drawing up greenhouse gas balances and is also used for the SBTi. It distinguishes between three so-called scopes:

  • Scope 1: Direct emissions, e.g. from vehicle fleets and boilers
  • Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy, e.g. electricity
  • Scope 3: Indirect emissions in the upstream and downstream supply chain

As with many SMEs, intep has hardly any leeway in Scopes 1 and 2, as the lion’s share of the emissions for which we are responsible are distributed across Scope 3 (95.5 tCO2-eq.). Scope 3 emissions are primarily caused by business travel (25%) and purchased goods and services (53%). Information and communication technology (IT) plays an important role in the latter category.

To reduce emissions, for example, we recently started subsidizing commuting by public transport. We are currently working on further steps in our environmental working group: whether developing measures together with our partners, switching to more sustainable service providers or reducing procurement through circular models – we are thinking in all directions to achieve maximum impact.

Pioneer seeks comrades

As a consulting firm committed to holistic sustainability, we accompany companies on their way to a green future. In doing so, we are leading by example. We pass on our SBTi expertise to our clients – hoping that many more will dedicate themselves to setting scientifically based and effective climate targets.

Frauke Scholvin
04. April 2024

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Manager Business Division Environment & Resources
Management Board Member

Martina Alig