Net zero in our operations

We are committed to net zero carbon emissions in our own operations and supply chain by 2030.

This means managing the emissions of more than 30,000,000 sq ft (equivalent to nearly 10,700 tennis courts) of offices, branches and data centres around the world, and those of close to 29,000 suppliers.

Minimising our environmental impact is nothing new for us. In 2012 we launched our Reduce programme, with ten ambitious goals for cutting carbon and waste, and using less energy, water and paper.

By the end of the programme, in 2020, we had exceeded – or stretched – nearly all of our targets.

See how we have performed against our targets. Click “Replay” on the graphics below.

Several goals were achieved since 2011 and stretched as follows: (i) CO2 emissions reduction 2020 target was set at 2.5 CO2 tonnes/FTE until 2017, when the target was stretched to 2.0 CO2 tonnes/FTE; (ii) Waste reduction 2020 target was set at 50% until 2017, when the target was stretched to 75%, and (iii) Paper reduction target was set at 50% until 2017, when the target was stretched to 66%. Carbon emissions include scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 (travel) emissions.
Electricity in entire operations – in 2020, we updated our reporting methodology to include procurement of other renewable contracts.
100% is our target for 2030, with an interim goal of 90% by 2025.

We appreciate that the world has changed significantly in recent years. Although we had reached some of our goals already, Covid-19 affected our working patterns and reduced our footprint further.

We want to build on this momentum as the world reopens. By 2030 we will halve our travel emissions, along with our energy consumption, in comparison with pre-pandemic levels. We will continue to encourage hybrid working and use the best technology to connect our employees and customers.

Meanwhile, we are seeking new ways and new areas to further lessen our environmental impact over the coming decade. Check back here for fresh targets soon.