Greene King, the UK’s leading pub company and brewer, is pleased to announce that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved its near-term science-based emissions reduction target.
The targets submitted to the global body by Greene King last year were as follows:
- Greene King commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year.
- Greene King also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 50% within the same timeframe.
The action is urgently needed by all companies as the latest climate science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – described by the UN as “code red for humanity” – shows it is still possible to limit a global temperature rise to 1.5°C, but the world is dangerously close to that threshold.
Reacting to the news that the SBTi had verified Greene King’s targets, CEO Nick Mackenzie said: “We know the scale of what has to be done and today is an important milestone as it shows our climate action plan is based on science.
“The hard work starts now as we are just starting out on our journey and beginning to put our commitments into practice.
“The climate crisis is the greatest challenge of our time, and it’s clear from climate science findings that nothing less than rapid and deeps cuts to emissions before 2030 are required. It’s vital we play our part in this – it’s the right thing to do, helps our customers make more sustainable choices and ensures the long-term commercial sustainability of our pubs and breweries across the UK.”
In 2022, Greene King announced its intention to seek approval from the SBTi for its near-term emissions target. The pub company and brewer has also publicly committed to be net zero by 2040, and plans to submit this net zero commitment to the SBTi for approval later this year.
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About Scope 1, 2 and 3: Scope 1 emissions are direct emissions generated by the company under direct operational control. Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions generated from the purchase of electricity and used by the company. Scope 3 emissions are all other indirect emissions generated outside of the company’s control.
About the SBTi: The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. The initiative is a collaboration between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and one of the We Mean Business Coalition commitments. The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets. Read more at www.sciencebasedtargets.org and @sciencetargets.
For further information please contact the Greene King press office on 0345 600 4898 or pressoffice@greeneking.co.uk
About Greene King
- Greene King was founded in 1799 and is headquartered in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. It currently employs around 38,000 people across its five divisions: Local Pubs; Destination Food Brands; Premium, Urban and Venture Brands; Pub Partners; and Brewing & Brands.
- It operates c.2,600 pubs, restaurants and hotels across England, Wales and Scotland, of which c.1,600 are retail pubs, restaurants and hotels in the Locals, Destination and Premium, Urban and Venture divisions, and c.1,000 are tenanted and leased pubs in its Pub Partners division. Its leading retail brands and formats include Hungry Horse, Farmhouse Inns and Chef & Brewer.
- The Brewing & Brands division covers the brewing sides of the business, with quality ale brands brewed at the Greene King brewery in Bury St Edmunds and the Belhaven Brewery in Dunbar. The industry-leading portfolio includes Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen, Abbot Ale, Ice Breaker and Belhaven Best.
Press release from Greene King.
For further information please contact the Greene King press office on 0345 600 4898 or pressoffice@greeneking.co.uk