Environment
Carbon neutrality by 2020
Carbon neutral research, production, and administration
In view of the increased challenges we face from climate change, we have now set ourselves a considerably more ambitious target in relation to climate protection:
In 2020, we want to make emissions in our direct sphere of influence (scope 1 and 2) carbon neutral worldwide. By 2030, we then want to achieve a further improvement in terms of climate protection on the basis of the quality of the measures applied.
When it comes to the climate, words are not enough. Companies need to aim for carbon neutrality, here and now.
Our approach
The focus is placed above all on energy efficiency and generating energy ourselves from renewable sources, as these two factors constitute the major levers for achieving our climate goal. By 2030, Bosch wants to save 1.7 TWh of energy and generate 400 GWh of its energy needs from own renewable resources. In order to support the measures financially as well, the board of management of Bosch has approved an additional annual budget of 100 million euros for the period 2018 through 2030.
Green electricity and new clean power to raise the quality of our carbon neutrality
One important starting point on our path toward achieving climate neutrality at Bosch is to source “green” electricity from existing renewable energy generation facilities with the corresponding guarantee of origin. We want to consistently raise the quality of the measures by 2030, focusing on new clean power, i.e. exclusive long-term purchasing agreements with investors in new renewable energy generation facilities (e.g. wind turbines or solar parks). This way, Bosch will make an additional contribution to climate protection, as these new facilities will be built only as a result of our commitment.
Carbon offsetting as a bridging solution
The third lever for achieving our climate goal are offsetting measures (carbon credits). These are necessary to offset CO₂ emissions from combustion processes (heating, process heat). In countries in which the levers described above are not sufficiently available to achieve carbon neutrality (e.g. where green electricity can only be purchased to a limited extent), carbon offsets are also necessary. When choosing a project, we apply very high standards, such as the Gold Standard, for example. In addition, we have joined the Alliance for Development and Climate initiated by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
Energy efficiency and own generation capacity from renewable sources are major levers to achieve carbon neutrality.
Q&A on CO₂ neutrality at Bosch
What makes this Bosch goal so special?
Bosch will be the first major industrial enterprise to achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2020 — a little over year from now. We are prioritizing efforts to improve the energy efficiency of our plants and buildings. This will enable us to reduce energy consumption and conserve resources over the long term. Bosch is also stepping up its investments in renewable energy and new clean power — in other words, in a sustainable energy transition.
When Bosch talks about global carbon neutrality, what exactly is being factored into the equation and what is being left out?
Carbon neutrality covers our manufacturing, administrative and research facilities. It factors in all carbon emissions produced by burning fossil fuels such as gasoline, diesel, heating oil, natural gas, and coal, as well as all the industrial gases that the company uses for processes such as welding (Scope 1). Beyond that, it also includes indirect carbon emissions attributable to energy consumed in the form of electricity, district heating, and steam (Scope 2).
What is the explanation for the timing of this announcement?
We are long past the time for talking. We started reducing our carbon footprint a long time ago. This preparatory work has paid off: as of next year, we will no longer have a carbon footprint and will therefore be making a significant — and necessary — contribution to climate action. We hope that others will follow our lead and emulate our ambitious plans. That’s why we are making this announcement now.
Will Bosch stop emitting CO₂ after 2020?
No. Not having a carbon footprint means that we will have no overall impact on carbon-dioxide levels in the atmosphere. As an industrial company, Bosch will continue to emit CO₂. There are many areas where this is unavoidable. But, by 2020, we will have neutralized all our carbon emissions.
