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.
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.
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 CO2e (CO₂ equivalent). The balance sheet neutrality of these CO2e-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
At a glance: Some of our measures
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.
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. The electrical energy required for production processes has already been completely converted to renewable energy sources as part of the company's internal emission reduction measures. The Norderstedt plant and our Finnish sales company additionally use CO2e-neutral district heating. Furthermore, photovoltaic systems have been installed at suitable locations worldwide since 2022.
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) and developed ways to sustainably optimise packaging. Some component packaging is already part of a multi-use system with our suppliers. As part of product utilisation (Scope 3.11), important partnerships have been sensitised to the use of electricity from renewable sources. 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.
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
Greenhouse gas emissions in the Jungheinrich Group
(based on the GHGP)
Greater transparency through product carbon footprints
Contact
Do you have any further questions? We are happy to answer them!
Hanna Wilbrand
Team Lead Environmental Sustainability
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