We are committed to climate protection and support science-based climate targets. By 2026 we will reduce our direct CO2e emissions by 21 percent and will implement measures in our supply chains as part of our net zero 2050 vision.
Back in 2008 we already began to reduce our annual emissions in directly influenceable areas as part of our CO2 vision. For instance, we reduced our greenhouse gas emissions between 2008 and 2020 by 36% as part of the CO2 vision.
With our climate strategy, we as the Coop Group are addressing the topic in a comprehensive and systematic way. We are committed to scientifically based climate targets and have confirmed this commitment to effective climate protection by signing the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Our target: to reduce direct CO2e emissions by a further 21% by 2026 in "Scope 1" and "Scope 2" – in accordance with the 1.5 degree target of the Paris Agreement. "Scope 1" comprises all greenhouse gas emissions caused by directly controlled sources owned by the company, such as trucks or heating. "Scope 2" comprises all indirect greenhouse gas emissions which are caused by the purchase of energy such as electricity or heat. Moreover we are about to tackle reducing emissions in our value chains, in "Scope 3". We calculate our entire footprint and derive specific emission reduction targets from it. In addition we work together with suppliers who are also committed to science-based climate targets. This is particularly relevant as in Scope 3 the main emissions component is in the upstream supply chains.
We rely on electricity from renewable and low-emission energy sources. We are expanding the installation of photovoltaic systems on the roofs of our stores, production facilities and distribution centres. Our goal is to cover 41% of our electricity requirements in Switzerland with our own photovoltaic systems by 2050. We want to install PV systems on an area of 620 000 square metres by 2033. That corresponds to an expansion of almost 250% in the next 10 years.
And we are continuing to reduce our electricity consumption by systematically applying efficiency measures such as use of efficient lighting materials and electronic devices
We consistently use renewable energies in heating for all new-builds and renovations. In our distribution centres and production facilities we are continuing to switch to renewable heating and we largely forgo fossil fuels in our rented properties.
In order to reduce emissions in upstream processes along our value chain in the long term, we are working together with strategically relevant suppliers who are committed to science-based climate targets. Along our supply chains we use projects to reduce CO2e emissions.
In the following areas we focus on responsible use of energy in order to implement our strategy:
As a founding member of WWF Climate Savers (formerly WWF Climate Group) and as a current Climate Partner of the WWF we make a tangible contribution to climate protection. We also work with the Energy Agency of the Swiss Private Sector (EnAW) and the Swiss Agency for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (AEE). Moreover, we are a member of the Swiss government's scheme to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, Energy Switzerland.
