A goal to become zero-carbon by 2030 has been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), placing Pukka Herbs in a small group of firms including likes of Carlsberg, BT and Tesco to have 1.5C-compliant targets approved.

As well as a target for its buildings and emissions to be zero-carbon by 2030, Pukka has committed to reduce indirect scope 3 emissions by 50% against a 2017 baseline, with support from carbon management experts Carbon Credentials. 

Sebastian Pole, co-founder of Pukka Herbs, said: “We knew we wanted to set a science-based target back in November 2015 ahead of the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris, COP 21, so we were committing to reductions in line with what climate scientists are telling us needs to happen. Not just what we think is achievable as a business.

“As the recent IPCC report tells us, there is now a small window of opportunity. Keeping temperature rises to within 1.5 degrees is, quite literally for many, the only way to live. This demands serious commitment and bold action from everyone, no matter what size their business. It is no use waiting for governments to take action, businesses have a responsibility to act as a force for good and now.”

Pukka will work towards achieving its target through actions ranging from engaging with suppliers to tackle the emissions caused from boiling kettles, through to running its buildings on renewable electricity. The Bristol-based firm plans for all its company vehicles to be electric in the future.

A quarter (25%) of Pukka’s carbon footprint derives from the growing of its herbs and packaging manufacturing. To address these areas, Pukka is using organic farming methods and working with growers to encourage low-carbon farming techniques. Pilot carbon reduction projects are being run alongside suppliers and the communities growing its specific herbs, with £45,000 set to be invested in 2019.

1.5C progress

Pukka’s announcement comes on the same day that research from The Climate Group revealed that last year marked a “dramatic upsurge” in corporate demand for renewable energy. The amount of renewable electricity sourced by RE100 members increased 41% year-on-year in 2017, with the group now collectively sourcing 188TWh of clean power annually.

The Climate Group noted in the report that the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) landmark report on global warming are likely to spur further corporate action on renewables in the coming years.

Business and policymakers have already moved to up their sustainability ambitions in the wake of the report, with BT, for example, having committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.


Science-based targets at edie’s Sustainability Leaders Forum

Representatives from the three biggest companies – Tesco, Carlsberg and BT – to align themselves with the 1.5C trajectory will appear at edie’s Sustainability Leaders Forum to discuss the importance of setting science-based goals.

The two-day event, taking place 5 & 6 February 2019 at the Building Design Centre, London, will also include debates on how to solve the plastics crisis and the state of corporate action on sustainable packaging. 

For more information and to register for the Forum, click here.


 

George Ogleby

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe