Rector Lesage Group: SBTi validates its decarbonization ambitions

The SBTi, a collective initiative to support companies in setting ambitious reduction targets and defining a relevant decarbonization trajectory

Founded in June 2015 after the Paris Agreements, the SBTi is a collective international initiative that aims for ambitious climate action by supporting companies in defining decarbonization objectives aligned with the IPCC's ambition, i.e. to keep global warming well below 2°C by 2100. It verifies the conformity of the carbon footprint of their reference year with the GHG (Greenhouse Gas Protocol), provides a tool for calculating reduction objectives aligned with the IPCC's ambitions, and verifies and certifies the defined reduction objectives.

Rector Lesage Group: ambitious greenhouse gas emission reduction targets

As a responsible company whose sustainability is one of its core values, the Rector Group must actively take action in the fight against global warming. As part of the validation of its commitment by the SBTi, its active contribution begins with the definition of ambitious and achievable objectives but also, and above all, translates into the identification and deployment of concrete and significant actions to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. This will involve monitoring and annual reporting of the Rector Group's progress to the SBTi.

Many reduction operations have already been initiated (reduction of clinker, increase in recycled steel, optimization of transport, electrification of the vehicle fleet and handling equipment, etc.) and others will gradually be implemented to achieve objectives:

• medium term, by 2030,
• taking the year 2022 as the reference year,
• in absolute value (most ambitious approach),
• - 50% on scope 1 & 2 emissions: GHG emissions directly emitted by the company's activities (oil, gas, etc.) and indirect GHG emissions associated with energy consumption (electricity),
• - 25% on scope 3 emissions (activities upstream and downstream of the value chain: purchased products and services, transport and logistics, etc.).

"Considering that Scope 3 represents 98% of our greenhouse gas emissions, the Rector Group must move up a gear, working collectively with all stakeholders in our value chain, including our suppliers, to achieve these ambitious goals. Changing scale, in a collective and systemic manner, will be a key condition for our success with the aim of preserving our common good. This is also what Building Better Together is all about." explains Cécile Roland, CSR Director of the Rector Group.

As SBTi approval is one of the most demanding recognitions, it confirms the seriousness and power of the Rector Lesage group's decarbonization strategy.