Zero Emissions Day 2024: Our pathway to a Net Zero future
What is Zero Emissions Day?
Zero Emissions Day, celebrated on September 21st, is a global initiative to raise awareness about the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions.
It encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to cut their carbon footprint by minimizing energy consumption and promoting the use of renewable energy (RE) sources. The goal is threefold:
- To highlight the impact of carbon emissions on both air quality and climate change,
- To inspire individuals and organizations to cut down on fossil fuel consumption in their everyday activities,
- To advocate for the adoption of RE sources.
adm Group’s Net Zero Commitment: Goals and Targets
At adm Group, we understand the critical role businesses play in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and we are fully committed to our science-based targets validated by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Our ambitious goals include reducing absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030r from a 2021 base year, as well as reducing absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 50% within the same timeframe. Our long-term vision is to achieve Net Zero emissions across all scopes by 2040, an objective aligned with the global effort to combat climate change.
In terms of RE, we have two key targets. Firstly, our commitment is for us to keep achieving 100% renewable electricity in our operations. Secondly, our aim is to get 25% of our suppliers (by spend) powered by renewable energy by 2030.
Our Progress & Achievements To Date
In the past few years, adm Group has made significant strides towards its emissions reduction targets.
- In FY23, we achieved a 39% absolute reduction in total GHG emissions from our FY21 baseline, with our Scope 3 emissions—representing 99% of our carbon footprint—seeing major reductions. This was largely driven by reductions in our Purchased Goods and Services (PG&S) (Category 1) and End-of-Life Treatment of Sold Products (Category 12).
- Our Scope 2 emissions are zero for the third consecutive year, thanks to our investment in Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) covering 100% of our global offices.
- We have been utilizing the Green Design Tool (GDT) for the past two years, a critical innovation that helps us reduce product-related Scope 3 (PG&S) emissions by empowering clients to make sustainable choices.
Furthermore, regarding our RE investment in the supply chain target, in 2023 we engaged 40% (by spend) of our strategic print suppliers in the Americas and Europe regions in discussions about the importance of investing in RE programs. As of now, 31% of the suppliers we engaged are using renewable energy in their operations.
Our Carbon Reduction Roadmap For The Future
adm Group’s carbon reduction roadmap (Page 11 of our Sustainability Report) lays out a clear and strategic pathway to achieving our long-term sustainability goals.
Our focus is on reducing emissions across our entire value chain, particularly in Scope 3, by collaborating closely with suppliers and clients. In line with this, we launched the Impact Academy in July 2024, a training plan designed to educate and support suppliers in reducing their emissions, enhancing sustainability awareness, and preparing for future climate-related disclosures.
In terms of collaboration with clients, through our GDT we provide them with insights into the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, encouraging the adoption of low-carbon products and solutions. We are determined to continue improving the quality and robustness of the environmental metrics that we provide our clients by updating our GDT when necessary to ensure alignment with upcoming legislation and market standards.
In addition to technological innovations, we are on our way to develop ing a comprehensive Climate Transition Plan. This time-bound plan will include specific strategies and accountability mechanisms to guide us towards our Net Zero target by 2040. Our commitment also extends to investing in nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and conservation projects, to offset unavoidable emissions and support biodiversity.
Time To Act
On this Zero Emissions Day, we at adm Group reaffirm our commitment to a low-carbon future. However, the road to Net Zero is not one we can walk alone. We invite businesses and individuals alike to take action—whether it’s reducing energy use, switching to renewable energy, or advocating for sustainable business practices. Together, we can make meaningful progress toward a more sustainable world.
Let’s all take a step forward on September 21st, in whichever capacity we can, at an individual level and in turn as a collective. The future depends on the actions we take today.