Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions  -  January 11, 2022

Arla Doubles CO2 Reduction Goal

Farmer-owned dairy group Arla Foods is scaling up its climate target for operations from 30% to 63% by 2030 from a 2015 base year.

Between 2015 and 2020 Arla has reduced its emissions from operations by 24% and the next steps include a transition to fossil-free fuels for the full fleet of milk tankers and distribution trucks and a shift to renewable electricity and low-energy solutions across the company’s production sites and offices.

The new target has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative as consistent with reductions required to keep global warming to 1.5°C as it is consistent with reductions required in Scopes 1 and 2. Scope 3 targets will be reviewed in 2022.

“Our ambition is to be in line with a 1.5°C trajectory in all three scopes of our value chain when it becomes possible,” said Hanne Søndergaard, Executive Vice President with responsibility of Agriculture and Sustainability in Arla Foods in a statement. “We will therefore review the SBTi’s new sector guidance when it’s released to see whether any changes to our current plans will be required.”

Arla plans to increase its total investments by 40% to EUR 4 billion and more as sustainability is a key investment area. On top of the company’s investments, Arla’s farmer owners will need to make significant investments individually to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions at farm level.