Wind turbine maker Siemens Gamesa has set out next steps in its road map to reach net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, with a focus on so-called ‘Scope 3’ sources of greenhouse gas coming from its international supply chain.
The German-Spanish OEM, which in late 2019 became carbon neutral, said it would be shifting its electricity supply to renewable energy-based sources in “more countries” – it currently sources 62% of its power from clean-energy globally, including 100% in Denmark, Germany, Spain and the UK.
It added that it would also be rolling out an upscaled e-transportation policy, launching climate-positive employee action campaigns, and further cutting its reliance on carbon offsets “significantly”.
“One strategic focus going forward will be on our Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions that occur in our value chain,” said Gregorio Acero, global head of quality management and health, safety and environment. “For that purpose, we aim to further strengthen our collaboration with suppliers to reduce the CO2 emissions from our supply chain.
“Thus, we are increasing the focus on sustainable business practices in the supplier selection process and performance management, for example urging transportation companies, primary marine and terrestrial companies to move away from fossil fuels in their activities.”
Acero noted that the OEM, had started investing in renewables “compensation projects” – such as the Bii Nee Stipa wind farm in Oaxaca, Mexico, which is registered as a Clean Development Mechanism under the UN Framework Convention for Climate Change – to “balance out” its carbon footprint.
“We are not simply buying carbon credits from a third party, but have chosen a sustainable way to invest in renewable energy projects that in parallel enables us to cancel CERs [ Certified Emission Reductions],” he said.
“Our carbon neutrality shows that we are walking the talk. From here on out there is only one way and that is forward. We cannot not be carbon neutral in the future so we will be working diligently towards fulfilling our long-term commitment of becoming net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.”
Siemens Gamesa calculated energy efficiency projects implemented in 2019 – including switching to LED lamps, exchanging diesel-fueled equipment to electric, and making sustainable transportation options available to employees – cut emissions coming from operations and construction by 38%.
Ben Hunt, the OEM’s global head of corporate affairs, said: “Nobody can sit by and wait for others to solve the climate challenge for them and the corporate world must play an active and leading role in the fight – we recognise that the impact we have through the deployment of our wind energy technology must be matched by commitment to manage our own business in a sustainable and responsible manner.”
The company said it was “currently finalising” its plans to join the Science Based Targets Initiative – a joint scheme by CDP, the UN Global Compact, the World Resources Institute and the World Wildlife Federation designed to raise corporate ambition on reaching the level of decarbonisation needed to limit global heating to less than 2°C compared to pre-Industrial Revolution temperatures.
