Climate protection

Our road to net zero emissions

Limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels is the imperative goal of the United Nations Paris Agreement. A goal to which Jungheinrich is fully committed.

On the road to zero with the Science Based Targets initiative

When it comes to stopping climate change, it's not just each degree that counts, but even the decimal point behind it. The independent Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) offers us as a company a clearly defined and scientifically sound way to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. We have aligned our targets accordingly and had them validated and confirmed by the SBTi in 2023. After all, we can only overcome one of the greatest challenges of our time by working together and in accordance with transparently verifiable parameters and targets.

Climate neutrality – the fine line

The term climate neutrality has become a buzzword. However, its definition can vary greatly in practice and the interpretation can differ. For this reason, we at Jungheinrich attach particular importance to providing a precise definition of what we are working on to avoid any ambiguity.

Climate neutrality

Jungheinrich follows the definition of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). We consider the term climate neutrality to refer to a state in which human activities have no net effect on the climate system. In addition to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions), man-made impacts also consider bio geophysical aspects such as soil and water pollution, consumption of raw materials and loss of biodiversity.

As this cannot be achieved by Jungheinrich alone, but is a global challenge, we are pursuing climate neutrality as a vision. We have clearly defined goals for this. The priority is to achieve the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions along the entire value chain by 2050 in accordance with the requirements of the SBTi.

CO₂- and CO₂e-neutral

CO₂ is just one of many greenhouse gases

Jungheinrich refers to the term net zero greenhouse gas emissions as balance sheet neutrality in relation to the greenhouse gases listed in the Kyoto Protocol, encompassing not only carbon dioxide (CO₂) but also the six additional gases such as methane and nitrous oxide. The differentiation and definition of the term is based on the language regulations of the IPCC and the SBTi. Here it becomes clear: CO₂ is only one of many greenhouse gases that are jointly responsible for climate change – the effects of methane, for example, are 25 times higher. The total of all climate-damaging greenhouse gases is also referred to as CO₂-e (CO₂ equivalent). The balance sheet neutrality of these CO₂-e-emissions is therefore also referred to as net zero emissions, net zero or CO₂e-neutral.

Jungheinrich achieves net zero greenhouse gas emissions by first reducing directly and indirectly responsible greenhouse gas emissions in Scopes 1 to 3 by taking appropriate measures. Any remaining greenhouse gas emissions are then neutralised by investing in carefully selected climate protection projects.

Our roadmap to net zero

Jungheinrich – SBTi validated

Here you can find details on our profile and further information on the Science Based Targets initiative.

To the SBTi website

Briefly explained

What are Science Based Targets (SBTs)?

SBTs offer companies a clearly defined pathway to reduce emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. More than 7,200 (as of 2024) companies around the world are already working with the SBTi.

What differentiates SBTs from other goals and initiatives?

SBTs focus on the actual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. To this end, SBTi defines specific reduction paths that keep the rise in temperature within the limits set out in the Paris Agreement. The minimum targets and methods set by SBTi are scientifically based and form the framework for all companies that have committed to the SBTi.

What does joining the initiative mean?

Above all, participation allows us to an independent and fact-based target assessment, increases transparency and target quality and underlines Jungheinrich's pioneering role in sustainable intralogistics.

At a glance: Some of our measures

Scope 1

Electrification of our vehicle fleet

Regarding Scope 1, the focus is on electrifying the vehicle fleet for both passenger vehicles (cars) and our customer service. We are also investing in the expansion of our charging infrastructure. At our Hamburg headquarters, the city's largest solar park to date – with 52 charging points – was inaugurated in autumn 2023.

Scope 2

Photovoltaic systems at Jungheinrich roof terrace

Renewable electricity at our locations

The transition of all company locations to electricity from renewable energy sources is an important milestone for Scope 2. German locations were converted in the 2021 financial year. Global locations are to be converted by 2030 at the latest. By the end of the financial year 2023, more than 45 Jungheinrich companies were able to switch to electricity from regenerative sources. The Norderstedt plant and our Finnish sales company additionally use CO₂-e-neutral district heating. Furthermore, photovoltaic systems have been installed at suitable locations worldwide since 2022.

Scope 3

Two employees in front of the Jungheinrich headquarters

Transforming our value chain

Jungheinrich also aims to reduce emissions in Scope 3. In the financial year 2023, for example, we systematically identified measures to reduce purchasing emissions (Scopes 3.1/3.2), developed ways to sustainably optimise packaging and raised awareness among key partners for the use of electricity from renewable sources as part of the product usage phase (Scope 3.11). In addition, the aim is to continuously increase the efficiency of industrial trucks and to specify that they are suitable for disassembly as early as the product design stage. By further developing the eco-design specifications, Jungheinrich also plans to promote the use of recyclable, as well as climate-friendly, alternative materials. Additional measures along the entire value chain are continuously evaluated and systematically implemented.

Our emissions reduction pathway

We develop our SBTs in accordance with the requirements of the SBTi net zero standard

1 Definition of near-term SBTs

Emissions reduction targets for five to 10 years in line with the 1.5 degrees Celsius target.

2 Definition of long-term SBTs

Emission reduction targets by 2050 at the latest to a residual level in line with the 1.5 degrees Celsius target.

3 Neutralisation of residual emissions

Emissions that remain after the long-term reduction targets have been achieved must be offset by neutralisation measures.

4 Additional activities outside the value chain

Additional offsetting of emissions outside the company’s own value chain as part of corporate responsibility (not considered on the path to net zero).

Overview: Our targets confirmed by SBTi

Jungheinrich AG commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 GHG emissions 42 % by 2030 from a 2021 base year
Jungheinrich AG commits to increase annual sourcing of renewable electricity from 70 % in 2021 to 100 % by 2030
Jungheinrich AG commits to reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions 25 % by 2030 from a 2021 base year
Jungheinrich AG commits to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions 90 % by 2050 from a 2021 base year

Our net zero management

1. The Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF)

Jungheinrich conducts an annual comprehensive greenhouse gas balance for the entire Group. In accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHGP), the CCF considers all greenhouse gases listed in the Kyoto Protocol (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O, SF₆, HFCs, PFCs and NF₃). Greenhouse gas emissions are divided and recorded in three categories ("scopes"): Scope 1, 2, and 3.

2. Product life cycle assessments (LCAs)

Jungheinrich compiles product life cycle assessments for its portfolio on an ongoing basis. These are based on the standard DIN EN ISO 14040/14044 and/or 14067 and analyse the CO₂e impact of the products from cradle to grave.

3. Road to zero emissions

Based on the CCF and LCAs, the Group-wide Road to Zero Emissions is being developed and constantly updated. In addition to key milestones and targets, it contains all measures aimed at systematically reducing Jungheinrich's greenhouse gas emissions.

4. Neutralization of residual emissions

As a production company, Jungheinrich will not be able to completely prevent or reduce all emissions despite our best efforts. A comprehensive compensation respectively neutralisation strategy has therefore been developed which takes account of Jungheinrich's high standards for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, this strategy was updated with a focus on the specific requirements of SBTi regarding the neutralisation of greenhouse gas emissions.