In line with 1.5° pathway: SBTi validates Heidelberg Materials’ industry-leading CO2 reduction targets

• The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated Heidelberg Materials’ 2030 carbon reduction targets under its new 1.5°C framework
• Heidelberg Materials commits to individual scope 1 and 2 targets as well as a scope 3 target for 2030, in relation to the base year 2020
• CCUS and circularity are the company’s key levers to reach its industry-leading CO2 reduction targets

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated Heidelberg Materials’ 2030 carbon reduction targets under its new 1.5°C framework. Following a thorough validation procedure, the company’s near-term target achievement has been successfully assessed against the SBTi’s strict criteria: Heidelberg Materials commits to reduce gross scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 26.7% per tonne of cementitious material by 2030 from the base year 2020. Within this target, Heidelberg Materials commits to reduce gross scope 1 GHG emissions by 24% per tonne of cementitious material and scope 2 GHG emissions by 65% per tonne of cementitious material within the same timeframe. The company also adds a scope 3 target to its industry-leading scope 1 and 2 reduction targets to reduce absolute GHG emissions from purchased goods and services¹ by 25% within the same timeframe. These commitments are consistent with Heidelberg Materials’ previously communicated goal of reducing specific net CO₂ emissions to 400 kg per tonne of cementitious material by 2030, equaling a reduction of 47% compared to 1990 levels.

“Climate protection and the reduction of CO₂ emissions are the decisive tasks of our time, and energy-intensive industries have a special responsibility in this respect,” said Dr Dominik von Achten, Chairman of the Managing Board. “At Heidelberg Materials, we are tackling these tasks at full speed and with great dedication.”

“As reflected in our updated Sustainability Commitments 2030, climate action is a crucial element of Heidelberg Materials’ sustainability strategy,” Dr Nicola Kimm, Chief Sustainability Officer and Member of the Managing Board added. “The SBTi validation shows that our sustainability agenda not only includes the most ambitious reduction target in the cement industry – but also a realistic, measurable plan in line with the 1.5°C scenario. We follow a clear, science-based approach, reducing our carbon footprint through the levers of product and process innovation and industrial-scale CCUS. By closing the carbon and material loops, we will lead the sustainable transformation of our sector.” 

Heidelberg Materials has actively contributed to the development of the new 1.5°C framework and was the first company in the cement sector to have its then targets endorsed by the SBTi in 2019. The SBTi assesses and validates corporate emission reduction targets against the latest climate science.

The Cement Guidance is the world’s first framework for companies in the cement sector to set near and long-term science-based targets in line with the Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

About Heidelberg Materials

Heidelberg Materials is one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of building materials and solutions with leading market positions in cement, aggregates, and ready-mixed concrete. We are represented in over 50 countries with around 51,000 employees at almost 3,000 sites. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the forerunner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation. 

¹ Related to purchased cement and clinker.