Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
Svedbergs Group is working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its operations. This work helps achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals 12 – Responsible consumption and production, and 13 – Climate action.
Sustainability goals
Svedbergs Group will reduce carbon dioxide emissions according to GHG Scopes 1–3 by 50 percent by 2030 compared to 2021. The largest emissions in the value chain come from goods purchased, the use of products by customers and transport.
Mapping greenhouse gas emissions in the value chain
The Group’s direct and indirect impact on greenhouse gas emissions was mapped in 2022 according to the global Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) standard. The analysis shows that 98 percent of Svedbergs Group’s climate impact in 2021 came from Scope 3, i.e. the impact that arises in the supply and customer stages of the value chain, outside direct own operations. Goods purchased are by far the area with the greatest impact. The use of sold products and the transport of goods and products also have a significant climate impact.
The mapping has generated new insights and the results are used as a basis for decision-making to prioritise measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. New targets and reduction plans have been developed for each company in the Group based on the analysis.
Emissions from goods purchased and use of sold products
Principles for reducing greenhouse gas emissions are now being incorporated in the design phase of products. More long-term development is needed to offer circular products that have a longer life and are easier to reuse or recycle, and of which the materials and raw materials are produced in a sustainable manner. To create clarity about what is required to reduce climate impact, Svedbergs Group has set itself the goal of preparing a number of EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) for different product groups in 2023. Continued measures to have an impact in the shorter term are important, for example activities to reduce emissions from transport and energy efficiency in production.
Reducing emissions from transport
Svedbergs Group prioritises suppliers with sustainable transport solutions and makes clear requirements for an environmental profile and reporting of outcomes. In 2022, the subsidiary Svedbergs chose 100 percent biofuel for its container transport by ship from Turkey to Sweden. This led to a reduction in emissions of 115 tonnes of CO2 equivalents in 2022. Transport from Portugal to Sweden was changed from road to sea, reducing emissions by approximately 20 tonnes of CO2 equivalents. In the UK, Roper Rhodes invested in a fully electric vehicle that delivers products to customers in the Bath and Bristol area.
Other measures to reduce emissions include increased capacity utilisation in transport, reduced packaging and coordinated shipping to the Group’s companies from suppliers. The Group’s Sourcing Council analyses opportunities for increased collaboration between subsidiaries on suppliers of products, materials and transport.
Impact of business travel
The Group’s travel policy includes guidelines that must be followed by all employees when travelling on business. Environmentally friendly travel options are prioritised and digital meeting solutions are encouraged. The company car policy makes it more favourable for employees to choose an electric car or a plug-in hybrid, and charging points are available outside the Group’s premises.
