February 22, 2022
Climate target set: Fresenius to be climate neutral by 2040
The global healthcare group Fresenius plans to become climate neutral in its own operations by 2040. This applies both to direct and indirect CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2). The climate target adopted by Fresenius is in line with the Paris climate agreement’s scientifically based goal to limit global warming to 1.5° C.
Fresenius has defined a concrete roadmap to achieve its target: By 2030 the company plans to cut its Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions by half from the 2020 level of about 1.5 million metric tons. Any incremental emissions from organic business growth are included.
Fresenius has identified its global electricity consumption as one of the major levers and will gradually increase its renewable electricity purchasing. The focus will be on entering long-term power purchase agreements and thereby investing in the expansion of renewable electricity generation. In the first few years, and to cover any residual emissions, Fresenius seeks to use renewable Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) in line with the rules and quality criteria laid out by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. A strong geographical focus will be on North America and the European Union, where the company’s businesses have already embarked on their journey to carbon neutrality.
Thus, Fresenius Helios’ external power needs in Germany will be met completely by certified renewable electricity in the current fiscal year. For Fresenius Medical Care, 2025 marks an important milestone: That year, its entire electricity consumption in the United States and Canada, and 80 percent of its electricity use in the European Union, shall be covered by renewable sources.
Furthermore, Fresenius will continue its investments in renewable electricity generation at its own sites and strengthen Group-wide efforts to implement energy-efficiency measures. The company will also review the extent to which greenhouse gas emissions are used as a criterion for future growth, acquisitions, investments and management compensation. Moreover, Fresenius plans to further intensify its management of emissions stemming from its upstream and downstream supply chain (Scope 3), eventually to be included in its climate target.
“As a global healthcare group, Fresenius also bears responsibility to act in the fight against climate change,” said Stephan Sturm, CEO of Fresenius. “The climate targets adopted by the Management Board reflect our determination and commitment to engage in the efforts to limit the global average temperature increase to 1.5°C. As a first step on our journey to net-zero emissions, we are increasing our use of renewable electricity.”
The targeted management of greenhouse gas emissions is part of the Fresenius sustainability agenda and is closely linked to the corporate strategy for long-term, profitable and sustainable success. All business segments share in the responsibility for achieving the climate goals. A global, interdisciplinary team including such departments as Sustainability, Environmental Management, Procurement, Manufacturing, Hospital Service Business, Quality and Finance will work steadily on the company’s transition to net-zero emissions.
This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, e.g. changes in business, economic and competitive conditions, regulatory reforms, results of clinical trials, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. Fresenius does not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.