SCHOTT Updates Its Climate Targets

Technology group SCHOTT is refocusing its climate strategy: The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the internationally recognized organization that assesses and validates corporate science-based climate targets, has validated the company’s revised targets. 

“The climate targets we set several years ago provided an important foundation for our transformation,” said Dr. Torsten Derr, CEO of SCHOTT AG. ”We are now taking the next step. We will continue to rely on renewable electricity while advancing the technological development of our manufacturing processes. At the same time, we are placing an even greater emphasis on reducing emissions throughout our value chain. The Science Based Targets initiative’s validation of our updated climate targets marks an important milestone on that journey.”

SCHOTT’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions reduction target, originally approved in 2023, remains part of its climate strategy through 2030. In addition, SCHOTT has committed to reducing selected Scope 3 emissions across its value chain by 27.5% by 2030. The new targets replace its previous internal “climate neutral by 2030” target with an enhanced, science-based framework.

Based on the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, the company has reduced direct emissions from its own operations (Scope 1) and indirect emissions from purchased electricity and heat (Scope 2) by approximately 70% compared to 2019 levels. 

A key driver has been the transition, beginning in 2021, to procuring electricity backed by Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) from renewable energy sources as well as Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Going forward, renewable electricity will remain a central pillar of SCHOTT’s decarbonization strategy, alongside continued technological innovation in manufacturing and ongoing efforts to improve energy efficiency.

SCHOTT sees its greatest emissions reduction potential in Scope 3. In fiscal year 2025, more than 80% of the company’s corporate carbon footprint came from emissions across the value chain, primarily because Scope 2 emissions have already been significantly reduced. 

As a result, future reduction efforts will increasingly focus on suppliers and other upstream and downstream activities. SCHOTT has committed to reducing selected Scope 3 emissions by 27.5% by fiscal year 2030.

To reduce selected Scope 3 emissions by 27.5% by 2030, SCHOTT is implementing a broad range of initiatives. Particular emphasis will be placed on emissions associated with purchased goods. Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) for purchased materials will become part of supplier evaluations, sustainability dialogue with suppliers will be intensified, and SCHOTT will continue providing knowledge sharing and practical support on topics such as renewable electricity, SBTi target setting, and PCF calculations.