2.2 Defining Science-Based Targets for an Agri-food
Company: A Case Study
In line with the observation made by ADEME, today, more than 300 companies
have committed to the Science Based Targets initiative showing the way to a 2 °C
temperature rise scenario. However, as previously mentioned, in order to make sure
those targets are reached, it is key to define manageable targets in line with the
company’s structure which can be difficult when considering that several sectors are
not described in the SDA approach.
This is the main purpose of Quantis & Ecofys’ work, defining science-based
targets for a couple of agri-food companies using the SDA approach. This showcases not only the needed methodological developments, including the development of reduction pathways for several crops, but also the need to have a common
structure when building a “SBT strategy”. In order to meet their goals, companies
need to understand the calculations and commitments that have been validated
before companies starts strategizing and acting.
The key message is that even though developments are still ongoing, it is
possible for companies to start acting immediately with a pragmatic framework and
approach.
2.3 One Planet Thinking: Towards Companies That
Perform Within the Earth’s Regenerative Capacity
While the main focus has been carbon issues, the fact that we used the regenerative
capacity of 1.6 planets in 2012 at present consumption levels demonstrates the
urgent need to act within the earth’s regenerative capacity beyond carbon and to
start addressing all environmental issues. As previously proved, this can be managed with a pragmatic and operational approach in line with industrial needs.
Inspired by the concept of planetary boundaries, which was introduced by
Rockström et al. in 2009 [4], Ecofys developed One Planet Thinking
(OPT) together with Eneco, an energy utilities company in the Netherlands, with
the aim to link corporate activities to global, regional and local boundaries to set
targets for climate change, particulate matter, fossil and mineral resources.
The approach has its limitations but the overall framework shows that the use of
pragmatic approach can ensure the development of sustainable business practices in
a company. Moreover, this presentation shows that including other environmental
issues in the “science-based targets” approach is possible, even though different
issues (spatial focus, time variability) must be understood and included before we
consider the methodology robust and streamlined. The issue of criticality exemplifies this issue.
Integrating the Concept of Planetary Boundaries …
409
Company: A Case Study
In line with the observation made by ADEME, today, more than 300 companies
have committed to the Science Based Targets initiative showing the way to a 2 °C
temperature rise scenario. However, as previously mentioned, in order to make sure
those targets are reached, it is key to define manageable targets in line with the
company’s structure which can be difficult when considering that several sectors are
not described in the SDA approach.
This is the main purpose of Quantis & Ecofys’ work, defining science-based
targets for a couple of agri-food companies using the SDA approach. This showcases not only the needed methodological developments, including the development of reduction pathways for several crops, but also the need to have a common
structure when building a “SBT strategy”. In order to meet their goals, companies
need to understand the calculations and commitments that have been validated
before companies starts strategizing and acting.
The key message is that even though developments are still ongoing, it is
possible for companies to start acting immediately with a pragmatic framework and
approach.
2.3 One Planet Thinking: Towards Companies That
Perform Within the Earth’s Regenerative Capacity
While the main focus has been carbon issues, the fact that we used the regenerative
capacity of 1.6 planets in 2012 at present consumption levels demonstrates the
urgent need to act within the earth’s regenerative capacity beyond carbon and to
start addressing all environmental issues. As previously proved, this can be managed with a pragmatic and operational approach in line with industrial needs.
Inspired by the concept of planetary boundaries, which was introduced by
Rockström et al. in 2009 [4], Ecofys developed One Planet Thinking
(OPT) together with Eneco, an energy utilities company in the Netherlands, with
the aim to link corporate activities to global, regional and local boundaries to set
targets for climate change, particulate matter, fossil and mineral resources.
The approach has its limitations but the overall framework shows that the use of
pragmatic approach can ensure the development of sustainable business practices in
a company. Moreover, this presentation shows that including other environmental
issues in the “science-based targets” approach is possible, even though different
issues (spatial focus, time variability) must be understood and included before we
consider the methodology robust and streamlined. The issue of criticality exemplifies this issue.
Integrating the Concept of Planetary Boundaries …
409