Swiss pharmaceutical and biotechnology company Roche announced today that its long-term and short-term greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), as aligning with the 1.5 °C ambition of the Paris Agreement.

Roche’s long-term goals include a target to achieve net zero emissions across its operations and value chain, including Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions, by 2045, including an absolute emissions reduction of 90%, with the remaining 10% to be neutralized through permanent carbon removal methods such as carbon capture.

The company has also set a series of 2029 targets, including an absolute reduction of 70% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, on a 2022 basis, and 22.5% absolute reductions of Scope 3 emissions including fuel & energy, waste from company operations, business travel, use of sold products and end of life of sold products. Additionally, Roche has set a goal to have 70% of suppliers by emissions – including Scope 3 purchased goods and services, capital goods and upstream transportation and distribution – with science-based targets.

The company outlined some of its key climate-focused actions, including aiming for 100% sustainable electricity by the end of 2025 (with 86% achieved at the end of 2024), improving energy efficiency, phasing out for 100% sustainable electricity by the end of 2025, and actively engaging with suppliers to embed sustainability across the supply chain.

Scope 3 emissions account for approximately 95% of Roche’s GHG footprint

Silke Hörnstein, Roche’s Head of Corporate Strategy and Sustainability, said:

“It is well understood that planetary health and human health are interconnected. The SBTi validation underscores our deep commitment to addressing climate change and enabling a sustainable future for all. We are prioritizing significant reductions across our entire value chain to achieve these targets.”