- Mediahuis has approved near- and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the SBTi.
- The SBTi has verified Mediahuis’ net-zero science-based target by 2050.
Antwerp, 27 September 2024 –Mediahuis is proud to announce that its sustainability goals have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This milestone confirms the company’s ambition and dedication to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and contributing to global efforts to tackle climate change.
European media group Mediahuis wants to minimise the impact of its activities on the climate and previously committed to set science-based targets via the SBTi in order to cut GHG emissions. All the targets set by Mediahuis are assessed using the SBTi’s quantitative and qualitative criteria, alongside the Criteria Assessment Indicators. The SBTi has now approved Mediahuis’ near- and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets.
An overview of Mediahuis’ validated targets:
Near-term targets (2030):
- Mediahuis commits to reducing the absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 49.8% by 2030, compared to the reference year of 2019.
- Mediahuis commits to reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 27.5% in the same timeframe.
- Mediahuis commits that 66% of its suppliers, based on upstream transport and distribution emissions, will have science-based targets by 2028.
Long-term targets (2050):
- Mediahuis commits to reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2050, compared to the reference year of 2019.
- Mediahuis commits to reducing scope 3 emissions by 90% by 2050, compared to the reference year of 2019.
Overall net-zero target (2050):
- Mediahuis commits to reducing net GHG emissions across its value chain to zero by 2050.
Gert Ysebaert, CEO Mediahuis group: “Mediahuis not only reports on society but is also a part of it as a company. In this role, Mediahuis aims to make a positive contribution and assume its responsibility. Defining science-based climate targets clarifies the efforts that we must make and enables us to communicate our progress transparently to our stakeholders. The validation of our sustainability goals by the SBTi underlines that we are on the right path towards a more climate-friendly future.”
Caroline Swanenberg, Head of Sustainability at Mediahuis group: “As part of a transparent and responsible sustainability policy, Mediahuis has been working for years to minimise its impact on the climate. Simply put, we do everything we can to make the greatest possible contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, this path is not easy. Achieving this milestone is a great confirmation for everyone within the company; together, we are making these goals a reality. The validation from SBTi gives us confidence that our immediate and long-term climate goals will be achieved.”
Mediahuis’ Green Transition
The digital transformation is causing the share of printed newspapers to decline year on year. However, Mediahuis faces its most important environmental challenges in the key areas of printing, distribution and the selection of paper and ink. These three factors together account for the vast majority of the company’s total CO2 emissions, and include gas and electricity usage for heating buildings, e-commerce and emissions from distribution.
Mediahuis operates as efficiently and sustainably as possible by strategically assigning its titles to its own printing facilities, optimising delivery routes and making sustainable choices when it comes to sourcing paper and ink. The company is investing in solar panels and heat pumps and increasingly sourcing green electricity. Additionally, Mediahuis aims to fully transition to electric delivery vans for distribution of its newspapers. In the Netherlands, 30% of delivery staff already use e-bikes.
Mediahuis IMPACT sustainability policy
Mediahuis believes unconditionally in independent journalism and strong, relevant media that makes a positive contribution to people and society. In line with our mission, the Mediahuis IMPACT sustainability policy is founded on three pillars: journalism that matters, unlocking all talent and the green transition. More information can be found in the Mediahuis IMPACT Annual Report 2023.
About the Science Based Targets initiative
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action organisation that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis.
We develop standards, tools and guidance which allow companies to set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets in line with what is needed to keep global heating below catastrophic levels and reach net-zero by 2050 at latest.
The SBTi is incorporated as a charity, with a subsidiary which will host our target validation services. Our partners are CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, the We Mean Business Coalition, the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
www.sciencebasedtargets.org
@sciencetargets
