Responsible Climate Strategy
As part of our sustainability commitment to drive climate action for a more resilient planet, Dechra is following the approach set out by the Science Based Targets initiative. Our goal is to reach net-zero emissions across the value chain by latest 2050 in line with the latest climate science.
What is the Science Based Targets initiative?
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set emission reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. The SBTi is focused on accelerating companies to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.
The SBTi is a registered charity, with a subsidiary which hosts their target validation services. The organisation is partnered with the CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the We Mean Business Coalition, the World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Calculating our Carbon Footprint
In order to understand our impact on the planet and make the changes to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, Dechra calculated our carbon footprint. As a result, we were able to categorise each of our emissions sources within one of three Scopes.
More About Scopes
A company's direct and indirect emissions are grouped into one of three Scopes.
Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources such as company facilities and vehicles
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased energy sources such as steam, electricity, and heating and cooling
Scope 3: All other indirect emissions sources that occur throughout the value chain such as transportation, employee travel, waste, fuel, end of life treatment, purchased goods and services, and leased assets
Carbon Footprint Calculation: The Results
During the 2023 financial year, we concluded the comprehensive data collection (Scopes 1, 2 and 3) for our carbon footprint base year, which is the 2021 calendar year. This work expanded on our historical Scope 3 emissions disclosures by including data from across our supply chain.
We found that our total footprint of 157kt Co2e is dominated by Scope 3 at 91.7% with Scope 1 and 2 combined only accounting for 8.3%, as illustrated in the accompanying pie graph.
Science-Based Targets
After determining our base year carbon footprint, Dechra followed the SBTi framework of setting and submitting near-term and long-term science-based targets in order to reduce our carbon footprint and provide a plan for reaching net-zero emissions by latest 2050. SBTi validated these targets during the 2024 financial year.
Near-term target validation:
The SBTi’s Target Validation Team has determined that our near-term target ambition is in line with a 1.5°C trajectory. They commend our 1.5°C aligned target, currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process.
With this approval, Dechra commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 42% by 2030 from a 2021 base year. Dechra also commits to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions 51.6% per GBP value added within the same timeframe.
Long-term net-zero target validation:
After receiving validation of our near-term targets, the SBTi also determined that our long-term net-zero targets are aligned with their 1.5°C mitigation pathways for reaching net-zero emissions by latest 2050. The SBTi commends Dechra's ambitious net-zero target, currently the most ambitious designation available through the SBTi process.
With this approval, Dechra commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90% by 2050 from a 2021 base year. Dechra also commits to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions 97% per GBP value added within the same timeframe.
Next Steps
In the 2024 financial year, the methodology for data collation was optimised and calculation of greenhouse gas emissions was transitioned to an auditable carbon calculation system. At this time we will also transition to financial year reporting, in order to align with future CSRD reporting requirements. This will require a new submission and validation to SBTi.