… by 2035. Think big: carbon-neutral growth, green power, energy efficiency, plus inspiring society by developing innovative solutions that speed up the transition to a climate-positive future. As a tech company aimed at sustainability, we’re betting it all on distinctive technological approaches to decarbonization, like carbon capture and storage.
To be aligned with the Paris Agreement – limiting global warming to well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C - Umicore is pursuing SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) validation of net zero GHG emissions.
Scope 1 & 2 emissions
Umicore’s scope 1 GHG emissions amount to 389 kTon CO2e and scope 2 GHG emissions are 403 kTon CO2e. Today, we commit to carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by 2035, with intermediate milestones of already reaching a 20% reduction in GHG emissions by 2025 and a 50% reduction by 2030. This ambitious goal sets a new standard for the industry and emphasizes Umicore’s pioneering role in its industry with regards to sustainability.
Net Zero GHG by 2035
Scope 3 emissions
Beyond our operations and electricity use, most of Umicore’s carbon footprint appears in our value chain. So, we will work with our partners to define an ambitious target for scope 3 emissions in line with our pursuit of SBTi validation.
Decarbonization target defined in 2022
Carbon neutral growth
As of 2021, Umicore pledges that its future growth, whether organic or through mergers & acquisitions, will be entirely carbon neutral. Our Rechargeable Battery Materials cathode manufacturing plant in Poland will be carbon neutral as of start of production in 2021.
Continued commitment to minimize our impact on the environment
We’re a global company with a global footprint. And we’re growing still – but that doesn’t mean our footprint grows with it. On the contrary, we’re determined to reduce the impact of our operations wherever possible, pushing our own limits to find innovative ways to protect land, water and air. We’re talking diffuse emission reductions, water & resource efficiency and good neighbour policies at all our facilities.
Managing all our emissions
From 2015 to 2020, Umicore reduced emissions significantly:
-67% metal emissions to air
-59% metal emissions to water
-47% NOx emissions
-67% SOx emissions
We’re committed to continuous improvement of all our emissions, by focusing on maximizing technological and process solutions to minimize our impact. Beyond GHG emissions and beyond our continuous improvement on metal emissions, we are also committing on reducing diffuse emissions.
-25% diffuse emissions by 2025
Water use
Today, Umicore uses water from domestic water supply, groundwater wells, surface water and rainwater. Our total water use was 7,813 thousand m3 in 2020.
At Umicore, we understand that water is precious and we will be working on identifying and managing water risks and will increase granularity in reporting on how we use water. Consequently, we will define an ambitious water use target in 2022.
We’re committed to sustainable and ethical sourcing, working only with suppliers who respect and care for both people and planet. Leveraging our position as an industry leader, we are determined to protect human rights throughout the global supply chain and turn waste into resources “at every turn”.
Resource efficiency
Metals are infinitely recyclable - an enormous opportunity to address resource scarcity and to contribute to the circular economy. By pioneering closed-loop solutions for our customers, we promote the development and evolution of a responsible industry.
When production waste and end-of-life products are given a new life, it is a positive impact on the planet. Umicore is progressively altering its input mix of materials to prioritize recycling – a practice we will continue.
As a pioneer with a long track record in protecting Human Rights in its supply chain, Umicore will further build on its approach and due diligence in the sourcing of critical raw materials.
Further strengthen our approach to sustainable & ethical sourcing
EcoVadis CSR Rating
Umicore is determined to continue commitment and efforts for an improved performance in the EcoVadis sustainability themes of environment, labor and human rights, ethics and sustainability procurement.
Umicore among top 1% performers of peers in 2020
82% of assessed suppliers are ‘engaged in CSR’ in 2020
Umicore uses certain monitoring and tracking technologies such as cookies. These technologies are used in order to maintain, provide and improve our services on an ongoing basis, and in order to provide our web visitors with a better experience.
By clicking on the "Accept all" button you agree to the use of these cookies while using the website. For further information regarding how we use cookies and other tracking technologies, please see section 11 of our website privacy notice.
