Swiss pharmaceutical company Roche has set Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)-validated goals for net and absolute zero emissions as part of its decarbonization strategy.
These goals align with the 1.5°C Paris Agreement goal. By 2045, Roche aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire value chain by reducing emissions by 90%, with the remaining 10% offset through carbon capture technologies.
Roche has established near-term and long-term SBTi-validated targets to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 70% by 2029 and by 22.5% by 2023, using 2022 as the baseline, with 70% of suppliers having science-based targets. It aims to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions by 22.5% from fuel, energy, waste, and business travel, and up to 22.5% from the use and end of products.
The company is also going beyond the SBTi targets by striving for absolute zero by 2050.
Its decarbonization strategy focuses on reducing emissions, including supplier engagement, product lifecycle decisions, waste management, and business travel, and is also addressing Scope 3 emissions across all business divisions.
The four key reduction levers include fostering supplier engagement by setting expectations, educating on sustainability goals, and establishing a sustainable
supplier base.
Key actions include aiming for 100% sustainable electricity by the end of 2025, improving energy efficiency, transitioning to renewable sources, phasing out potent halogenated hydrocarbons, and engaging with suppliers to embed sustainability across the supply chain.
Product lifecycle decisions should incorporate best practices in design and management, emphasizing reuse, recycling, circularity, and reducing component consumption from design to end-of-life.
“It is well understood that planetary health and human health are interconnected. The SBTi validation underscores our deep commitment to addressing climate change and enabling a sustainable future for all. We are prioritizing significant reductions across our entire value chain to achieve these targets. Regarding Scope 1 and 2 emissions, we are even going beyond the SBTi targets by striving for absolute zero by 2050. We are the only ones going for absolute zero in our industry, which makes me extremely proud,” said Silke Hörnstein, Head, Corporate Strategy and Sustainability, Roche.
