The climate crisis is urgent and global. We recognise the impact of our value chain and the narrowing window of opportunity to make a positive contribution in tackling this crisis. Beyond the moral obligation that we feel, we also see how taking action can contribute to long-term value creation and growth.
Our colleagues are increasingly passionate about climate change and expect the Group to drive progress and support local initiatives. There is also the opportunity to deliver value to our customers by offering more sustainable products and solutions, building our knowledge and expertise, and working to be a more carbon-efficient business.
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has verified Diploma's net-zero science-based target. We have committed to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2045.
Our near-term target is to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by FY30 from an FY22 base year. We have also committed to reduce our absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 30% within the same timeframe.
We have set long-term targets to reduce our absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90% by FY45 from an FY22 base year, we have committed to reduce our absolute scope 3 emissions by 90% within the same timeframe.
by 2030
50 %
reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions
By 2030
30 %
reduction in scope 3 emissions
Net-zero by
2045
Our net zero roadmap supports the Group and our businesses in achieving our Group target. Within this, our decentralised businesses are empowered to set their own strategy and initiatives.
Understand: as a decentralised Group, ensuring that our businesses are engaged and equipped with the knowledge and support they need to understand the sources of their emissions and the actions required to effect change, is key to our success.
Reduce: businesses are challenged to make their operations as energy-efficient and low-carbon as possible, and to divert Scope 1 emissions to Scope 2, wherever possible.
Procure: renewable energy is procured thoughtfully and with Group oversight to ensure that it is responsible and transparent. In the short-term it offers a useful means of making progress against our targets, particularly for businesses where on-site generation isn't immediately possible.
Generation: diverting Scope 1 emissions to Scope 2 and eliminating those emissions through on-site renewable generation is our preferred, long-term method for reaching net zero.
Our Scope 3 emissions are the most material source of GHGs for the Group. Of the 15 categories considered, Category 1: Purchased Goods and Services accounts for 51% of Scope 3 emissions and Categories 4 and 9, which relate to upstream and downstream transportation and distribution are in aggregate responsible for 34% of Scope 3 emissions.
We have calculated our Scope 3 emissions for FY22 using a cost-based methodology. Our priority will be to move to a hybrid approach using data from our suppliers.
Reducing our waste intensity and, specifically, the proportion of waste that we send to landfill is one of our sustainability priorities. It also supports more efficient processes and use of resources in our businesses. During FY22, our businesses implemented a number of initiatives that resulted in a 41% reduction on the prior year of waste to landfill.
<15 %
waste to landfill
FY23
32 %
Year-on-year improvement
41 %
vs FY22
Our Scope 1 and 2 footprint is modest and we are not a large carbon producer. Most of our emissions are from heating, cooling and lighting our facilities. We intend to achieve our net zero target by focusing on energy efficiency initiatives and on-site renewable power generation, and buying renewable electricity.
We’ve introduced energy efficiency measures, such as upgrading to LED lighting, introducing electric company car policies. While most of our facilities are leased, which can prohibit solar panel installation or energy efficiency upgrades, we now incorporate environmental criteria into new facility leases.
Across our Group, we encourage all our businesses to think sustainably and introduce initiatives to tackle emissions and protect the environment.
Packaging initiatives are being put in place across the Group, focusing on creating a more circular packaging system. Incoming cardboard is shredded to use as packing material for outgoing orders. Businesses are also removing non-recyclable elements from their packaging by replacing plastic tape with paper tape – removing more than a tonne of plastic for their customers.
Our European Life Sciences business, Simonsen & Weel, moved into a new location that benefits from more efficient heating and cooling, solar panels, state-of-the-art insulation and electric vehicle charging. The business also decided to improve biodiversity in the surrounding area by sowing wildflower meadows on its surrounding land.
We are delivering against our net zero ambitions and positioning the Group to contribute positively to a low-carbon economy
We are building an engaged and diverse workforce, who can reach their full potential as part of Diploma
Ensuring the highest standards of ethics, safety and conduct across our Group