Environmental responsibility

Climate

Climate is at the core of Vattenfall’s strategy and we are focused on one goal: to enable fossil freedom. As a part of our environmental work we also work with other climate related aspects. For example, we work to reduce other emissions such as NOx, SO2 and we work with climate change adaptation to ensure safe operations and security of supply.

Our 2030 ambition – “For fossil freedom”

In 2030 we are driving the transition through further electrification and increased use of renewable energy sources, moving towards our ambition of enabling fossil freedom. We work purposefully to reduce our own footprint in line with climate science. We are recognised as one of the leaders in decarbonisation and we do this in co-operation with our customers and partners. Climate is at the core of our corporate strategy and Vattenfall’s purpose. In Vattenfall we have several targets linked to reduce climate impact.

Below is a selection of some of our climate targets on group level:

Science Based Target for climate

Emission reduction targets in line with 1.5 degrees Celsius scenario:

  • Reduce emissions intensity in our operations (Scope 1+2) by more than 77% by 2030 compared to 2017 (SBTi approved)
  • Reduce absolute emissions from use of sold products (Scope 3) by 54,6% by 2030 compared to 2017 (SBTi approved)
  • Reach net zero by 2040
  • In addition, Vattenfall has for 2030 set an intensity target of 50% on supply chain emissions from goods and services, covering all supplier tiers.

Electric cars and charging infrastructure

In Vattenfall, we have a group target to electrify Vattenfall’s total vehicle fleet, including Benefit Passenger Vehicles (BPV), Commercial Passenger Vehicles (CPV) and Light Commercial Vehicles (LCV) by 2030.

Reduce emissions from flight travels

We set a corporate cap on CO2 emissions from flights which is 50% of the CO2 emission in 2019.

How we work to reduce climate impact

Our roadmap to fossil freedom

Vattenfall's goal is fossil freedom and to reach net-zero by 2040. The purpose provides a clear direction for our strategy and operations. We must become fossil free ourselves to succeed and but that’s not enough. Empowered by our goal, we are looking beyond our own industry to see where we can really make a difference and we do this together with customers, partners, authorities and cities.

Read more about our CO2 roadmap and coal phase out.

Three projects to reduce emissions

We are adopting smart energy solutions to make the city of Uppsala more sustainable. Watch the video about the three projects.

Emission management and transparency

Additionally, to our work to reduce our climate impact, we are reducing our NOx, SO2 and dust emissions in following ways:

  • We are shifting to biomass, which is contributing especially to reductions of SO2 emissions.
  • We are using secondary measures such as electrostatic precipitators or filter bags (particulates), flue gas desulphurisation (SO2) and DENOX (NOx) to clean gas.

It is important that we are open and transparent about our impacts and we are assessed by several sustainability rating agencies on our ESG performance. Vattenfall is again in 2023 at leadership level for its climate efforts with an A score rated by CDP, the non-profit organisation on environmental transparency.

See our most recent rating scores and read more about our sustainability reporting.

Climate change adaptation

Climate change affects Vattenfall – through physical effects on our assets and operations e.g. from extreme weather events, or through changes associated with the transition to a fossil-free society. We are committed to our goal of fossil freedom and have a high focus on adapting to change, as a way to ensure safe operations and security of supply. This also enables us to secure a resilient business and capture future opportunities.

Our focus areas for climate change adaptation are the following:

  • Strengthen the long-term perspective in risk identification and assessment
  • Improve identification and management of supply chain risks related to climate change
  • Explicitly include climate change aspects (risks and opportunities) early in decision-making, especially for new investments and asset builds

Climate change risks and mitigation strategies are increasingly in focus from our stakeholder, including the financial community. 

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