Ahold Delhaize Sets Ambitious Greenhouse Gas Emission Targets Aligned with 1.5ºC Trajectory

Ahold Delhaize Sets Ambitious Greenhouse Gas Emission Targets Aligned with 1.5ºC Trajectory

(IN BRIEF) Ahold Delhaize, along with its local brands, has established Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets aligned with the 1.5ºC trajectory, following the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets aim to reduce carbon emissions across operations and the value chain. Recognizing the complexity of emissions, the company has set short-term (2030) and long-term (2050) targets, currently undergoing validation by SBTi. Ahold Delhaize remains adaptable, recently revising Scope 3 targets to account for forest, land, and agriculture-related emissions. The company is committed to transparency and progress, sharing insights and lessons learned as it works towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZAANDAM, the Netherlands, 7-Mar-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. (AMS: AD), one of the world’s largest food retail groups, a leader in both supermarkets and e-commerce and a company at the forefront of sustainable retailing, along with its local brands, has announced the establishment of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emission reduction targets in line with the 1.5ºC trajectory, based on the methodology of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets are a crucial step forward in the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions throughout its operations and value chain.

Embracing Science-Based Targets for Climate Action

The decision to adopt science-based emission reduction targets stems from Ahold Delhaize’s commitment to aligning with the Paris Agreement’s climate action guidance and contributing to global efforts in combating climate change. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), supported by esteemed organizations like the United Nations Global Compact and WWF, provides a robust framework that enables comparability with industry peers and facilitates collaboration within the value chain.

Understanding the Scope and Complexity of Emissions

Ahold Delhaize recognizes the complexity of its carbon footprint, which encompasses three scopes reflecting the entirety of its emissions. Scope 1 and 2 involve the company’s direct emissions from its operations, while Scope 3 accounts for indirect emissions throughout its value chain. Mapping and reducing these emissions demand extensive research and data gathering across thousands of suppliers and products.

Setting Tangible Targets for a Sustainable Future

Over recent years, Ahold Delhaize has identified key areas for emission reduction and set both short-term (2030) and long-term (2050) targets aligned with the 1.5ºC scenario. These targets, currently undergoing validation by SBTi, signify the company’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 across its operations and value chain.

Navigating Evolving Climate Strategies

As SBTi requirements evolve, Ahold Delhaize remains adaptable, recently submitting revised Scope 3 targets to account for forest, land, and agriculture-related emissions. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates the company’s dedication to continuous improvement and aligning its strategies with the latest scientific insights.

For the near term (2030):

• Reducing absolute scope 3 FLAG GHG emissions by 30.3% (or 4.7 MtCO2e) by 2030 from the 2020 baseline (for near-term target, 15.5 MtCO2e).
• Reducing absolute scope 3 E&I GHG emissions by 42.0% (or 12.4 MtCO2e) by 2030 from the 2020 baseline (for near-term target, 29.5 MtCO2).

For the long term (2050):

• Reducing absolute scope 3 FLAG GHG emissions by at least 72% (or 15.0 MtCO2e) by 2050 from the 2020 baseline (for long-term target, 20.8 MtCO2e).
• Reducing absolute scope 3 E&I GHG emissions by 90% (or 34.0 MtCO2e) by 2050 from the 2020 baseline (for long-term target, 37.8 MtCO2e).
• We commit to reach net-zero GHG emissions across our own operations and the value chain by 2050.

Commitment to Transparency and Progress

Ahold Delhaize pledges to keep stakeholders informed about its progress in reducing GHG emissions, sharing insights and lessons learned along the way. To learn more about the company’s climate action plans and progress, visit their Climate page or consult the 2023 Annual Report.

MEDIA RELATIONS
GLOBAL

Elvira Bos
Director Media & External Relations
media.relations@aholddelhaize.com
+31 (0)88 659 9211

Isabelle Meltzer
Manager Media & External Relations
media.relations@aholddelhaize.com
+31 (0)88 659 9211

SOURCE: Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V.