Volkswagen aims for higher 'climate ambition'

MANILA: The Volkswagen Group's emissions reduction targets in production have been scientifically assessed and increased by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Volkswagen's SBTi ambition level for Scope 1 (internal operations) and Scope 2 (energy supply) emissions consequently increases from "below 2 degrees'' to "1.5 degrees." The initiative and the firm announced this on the eve of Earth Day, when Volkswagen is urging its employees to participate in the global Project1Hour for the second time. Approximately 670,000 employees around the world can spend an hour brainstorming ways to reduce their own and their company's carbon footprint.

In September 2020, SBTi evaluated the Volkswagen Group's Scopes 1 and 2 emissions reduction targets for the first time. The goals at the time, according to SBTi's assessment, were in compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement's aim of keeping global warming well below two degrees Celsius.

SBTi reassessed Volkswagen AG's amended emissions targets and raised the ambition level to 1.5 degrees after less than two years. Volkswagen has set higher goals for its own production and energy supply.

Overall CO2 emissions in production were supposed to drop by 30% from 2018 to 2030. This goal has now been increased to 50% by the Group.

At its EU operations, the company already gets 96% of its external electricity from renewable sources. The company hopes to break the 100% mark in the EU by next year. The similar goal is set for all regions outside of China by 2030.

The group-wide production also contributes to Volkswagen AG's overall climate goals by meeting stricter CO2 reduction requirements. The firm targets to produce 30% less CO2 per vehicle (passenger cars and light commercial vehicles) across the lifecycle by 2030 than it did in 2018.

The Volkswagen Group made great progress toward lowering its CO2 footprint in 2021. CO2 emissions per newly manufactured car were lowered by 1.7 tons across the group. Aside from the provision of renewable energies, the electrification of the product line and Volkswagen's assistance for the construction of wind and solar parks in Europe are the key causes.

In a statement, Volkswagen AG Board of Management Chairman Dr. Herbert Diess said, “Whether the Earth warms by 1.5 or two degrees Celsius by 2050 has a major impact on developments such as species extinction, droughts and rising sea levels. The Volkswagen Group is taking its responsibility to protect the world for future generations. That is why we are sharpening our own emissions reduction targets in production after less than two years. We are pleased that the Science Based Targets initiative recognizes this.”

The Group also focuses on becoming more sustainable in other areas, such as decarbonizing its supply chains, recycling, and electrifying its cars. “How successful we continue to be as a company in the fight against global warming is also up to each and every individual. That is why our Group-wide Project1Hour is especially close to my heart. Everyone can contribute with good ideas to help us gain even more momentum in climate protection, “ Diess added.

Images from Volkswagen

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