Committed to net zero
Boral sets global sector-leading carbon emissions targets and commits to net zero
06th September 2021
Boral has set the most ambitious carbon emissions targets in the global construction materials industry1, and has joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Business Ambition for 1.5°C and UNFCCC Race to Zero.
The new carbon reduction targets mean Boral is committed to net zero carbon emissions by no later than 2050, aligned with the most ambitious aim of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Boral’s 2030 targets, which it will submit for validation by SBTi, are a:
- 46 per cent reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and
- 22 per cent reduction in Scope 3 emissions per tonne of cementitious materials from a 2019 base year.
Boral’s CEO & Managing Director, Zlatko Todorcevski, said:
“As Australia’s largest integrated construction materials company, we have a unique opportunity to lead the way to make a meaningful contribution to build greener cities and create a net zero future.”
“We are proud to be the first company in the cement sector to set science-based targets aligned with a 1.5°C pathway for Scope 1 and 2 emissions.”
“We are redefining Boral’s strategy to become a leading innovator in sustainability by decarbonising our cement and other construction materials businesses and embedding a more circular economy approach. Our decarbonisation pathways include shifting to renewable energy sources, and growing our proprietary lower carbon, higher performing concrete solutions.”
Boral has defined the following five key levers that underpin its climate targets:
- Energy: by transitioning to 100 per cent renewable electricity, increasing the use of alternative fuels at its Berrima Cement kiln and improving energy efficiency
- Cementitious intensity: by optimising the energy efficiency of its Berrima Cement kiln and accelerating adoption of its leading lower carbon concrete product range, including ENVISIA®, Envirocrete® and Envirocrete®Plus
- Transport: by optimising supply chain logistics and routes, and exploring alternative fuel fleet options
- Sourcing: by prioritising lower carbon intensity suppliers, and
- by exploring and testing emerging carbon capture use and storage (CCUS) technologies.
Mr Todorcevski said Boral was making good progress already by investing in R&D and partnering to bolster its innovation efforts and access to leading technologies, as well as collaborating with customers and suppliers.
He added:
“We are supporting our customers to make more sustainable choices, including by broadening our suite of lower carbon concrete products and offering Climate Active certified net carbon neutral concrete.”
“Collectively, our decarbonisation efforts aim to achieve carbon neutrality by no later than 2050 and deliver future growth by reshaping our business to be a leader through decarbonisation.”
“We have a clear line of sight to deliver on our 2030 targets and beyond 2030, we are working on new and emerging technologies. Just how we achieve our 2050 ambitions will depend on further development and commercial viability of new and emerging technologies.”
“Our Innovation team is leading the way in developing high-performing sustainable products and solutions for our industry, including piloting carbon capture storage and use technologies.”
“The team is supported by strategic partnerships, including with academia, government and through collaborative industry innovation hubs. By pursuing opportunities to re-define Boral through decarbonisation, we are confident that we can support the ambition of our customers and Australia.”
Our climate targets2 are aligned with a 1.5°C pathway for Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Our decarbonisation pathways
We have established a robust decarbonisation pathway based on five key levers, which will enable us to progress towards our targets. Work is underway on initiatives across each of these levers – with a significant number of these initiatives currently economic without a carbon price being required. We are investing in R&D, positioning the business for transition, and working with the right business partners and suppliers.
We will regularly review our progress against our targets, including reassessing and reprioritising initiatives.
Understanding our commitments and carbon emissions
Business Ambition for 1.5°C
is a global initiative calling for action on climate from a global coalition of UN agencies, business and industry leaders, in partnership with the Race to Zero.
Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)
SBTi provides the benchmark for setting science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These are targets that are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
Scope 1 emissions
Direct emissions such as from the use of fuels in manufacturing, process emissions from calcination in cement manufacturing, and transport of raw materials.
Scope 2 emissions
Indirect emissions from purchased electricity.
Scope 3 emissions
Indirect emissions from our broader supply chain, such as from the goods and services we purchase and the transport of materials to our operations and to our customers not using our own vehicles.
1. Based on construction materials, including cement, companies taking action through SBTi.
2. Our targets and baseline are for Boral’s continuing operations.
3. Cementitious materials produced is defined following the Global Cement and Concrete Association definition.
4. Consistent with SBTi’s Scope 3 physical intensity target methodology.