The challenge: setting sustainability targets to help achieve the Paris Agreement

Our long-term partner Kingfisher, the international home improvement company, asked us to help it set its science-based targets to be approved by the Science Based targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi defines best practice in science-based target setting, as well as independently assessing and approving companies’ targets.

How we helped: modelling scenarios for a lower-carbon business

We began by measuring Kingfisher’s current baseline across all its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Scope 1 covers direct emissions sources (e.g. fuel used in company vehicles), scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity, scope 3 emissions cover all other indirect emissions including from consumers and suppliers.

Then we set about developing models for scenarios of what reductions could be achieved with different initiatives, for example working with cement suppliers to bring lower carbon cements into the product offer and offering the most energy-efficient products to help customers save energy and reduce fuel bills.

Using these scenarios, we were able to set targets that were in line with climate science and aligned with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.

These targets build on the progress already made by Kingfisher to reduce the environmental impact of its business. This includes 100% renewable electricity sourced for its UK operations and providing customer energy-saving products and services that enable an estimated 32% reduction in home energy use.

The outcome: ambitious, yet achievable targets in line with climate science

Kingfisher originally committed to cutting scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 22% and scope 3 emissions by 40% by 2025. These were approved by SBTi in February 2019.

But Kingfisher wanted to go even further and faster. In 2021, we supported Kingfisher with the submission of its new 1.5C science-based targets, which were approved by the SBTi. Kingfisher's new target is to reach net zero for its operations across scopes 1 and 2 by the end of 2040, meaning it will reduce absolute emissions by at least 90% against its 2016/17 baseline. Kingfisher is now turning its attention to meeting these targets, as well as working on a net-zero target for the rest of its value chain.

The targets form part of Kingfisher’s Sustainable Growth Plan launched in 2018, which aims to help its customers have healthier, more sustainable homes.

We will continue to work with Kingfisher to support it to achieve its targets.