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Ecosystems

The holistic contribution of the companies of Schwarz Group to protect the climate

Sustainable action is indispensable for a future worth living. As a corporate group active worldwide, we* jointly contribute to environmental and climate protection. Our stores and buildings are constructed to be energy efficient wherever possible to promote the transition toward sustainable energy. To cover our energy needs, we use renewable energy, some of which is self-generated. We are also driving our own commitment to efficiency and sustainability forward, particularly when it comes to freshwater consumption, the protection of our rivers and oceans, and preserving biodiversity.

Climate protection takes all of us - our climate strategy

Climate Strategy of the Schwarz Group

The companies of Schwarz Group aim to minimize their own contribution to climate change and steadily reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve this, the companies of Schwarz Group are committed to the following three principles:

1. We prevent the generation of greenhouse gas emissions wherever possible.

2. We reduce those greenhouse gas emissions which are unavoidable.

3. We offset operational greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and 2) that we can currently neither prevent nor reduce based on internationally recognized standards.

Portrait of Hans Joachim Schellnhuber
"After 30 years of climate research, I ask myself today: How could I have been so blind, and overlooked building and construction as a critical factor in the climate equation for such a long time? It’s a fact: The building, use, removal, and demolition of buildings and infrastructure means the built environment is responsible for some 40 percent of global greenhouse emissions. Concrete production is directly responsible for some 11 percent of worldwide emissions. It is therefore the right thing that the Schwarz Group is focusing on maximum energy efficiency and climate-friendly construction of their stores, administration building, and logistics centers today for their future development. In the future, we need consistent, organic architecture that obtains its construction materials from sustainable forestry.”

– Prof. Hans Joachim Schellnhuber, Founder and Director Emeritus of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)

Overview of Scope 1, 2 and 3

Joint targets of the companies of Schwarz Group

In August 2020, the companies of Schwarz Group joined the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) to ensure that the targets that were jointly defined by the companies of Schwarz Group are based on solid foundations. After preparing and analyzing the complete carbon footprint, the companies of Schwarz Group set climate protection targets according to the methodology of the Science Based Targets initiative and developed supporting measures to reduce, avoid or compensate carbon emissions in operations and along the supply chain. These science-based targets were validated and approved by the SBTi in September 2021.

Climate targets: 1.5 degree climate target, -55% CO2 by 2033, 100% renewable energy from 2022, climate neutrality Lidl as of 2022 & Kaufland by 2025 at the latest

Goals of the Schwarz Group

Reducing operational greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and 2)

By 2030, the companies of Schwarz Group will reduce their operational greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and 2) by a total of 55 percent compared with 2019.The target for scope 1 and 2 also includes biogenic emissions and the removal of biogenic raw materials. As part of this initiative, Lidl and Kaufland have each set themselves the target of reducing their operational greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent over the same period. To achieve this target, the companies of Schwarz Group will purchase 100 percent* of their electricity from renewable sources from fiscal year 2022. Lidl and Kaufland are going one step further, and aiming for climate neutrality in relation to operational scope 1 and scope 2 emissions. Remaining operational greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and 2) are offset by certified climate protection projects. Kaufland plans to meet this target by 2025 at the latest, Lidl from 2022.

Supplier obligation to reduce scope 3 emissions

The companies of Schwarz Group are making the commitment to oblige suppliers, who are responsible for 78% of product-related emissions, to set themselves climate targets by 2026 according to the criteria of the SBTi. In addition, the companies of Schwarz Group are committed to reducing their absolute scope 3 emissions, which relate to the use of sold fuels, by 27.5% by 2030 compared with 2019 levels. A variety of measures to reduce, avoid, or offset carbon emissions in logistics and along the supply chain, serve to reach these targets.

* Reduction of operational emissions (scope 1 & 2) in comparison to 2019

** Excluding any purchase agreements that the companies of Schwarz Group cannot influence, such as those for individual leased properties with a binding electricity procurement clause

*** Remaining emissions (scope 1 & 2) will be offset by carbon offset projects

Facts and figures

1,587,573

m² photovoltaics

Growth of 598,805 m² compared with the previous year

196,000

MWh electricity generation from renewable energies

51 % increase over the previous year. Over 8,700 household could be supplied with it.

13.2

% reduction in operational emissionens

compared with the previous year (scope 1 and 2)

Protection of water resources

Fresh water is one of earth’s most important resources. To reduce the “water footprint” of the companies of Schwarz Group, they are focusing on the sustainable use of freshwater resources and the protection of the seas. Wherever possible, they want to reuse water, cut consumption, and implement wastewater management without adding pollutants. This applies to both the companies and the supply chain – from the manufacture of resources through the production of merchandise to own operations.

Our Measures

Protection of biodiversity

Stable and healthy ecosystems are the basis of our existence. The companies of Schwarz Group play their part to protect the variety of living creatures and habitats. They are working to counteract the negative consequences of land use for ecosystems today, together with strong partners. At the same time, they are adapting their processes to changing environmental conditions, particularly with regard to the availability of raw materials and resources.

Our Measures

Please note: The words “we”, “us” or “our” or similar stand for all companies of Schwarz Group.

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