Bertelsmann aims to be climate neutral by 2030

Bertelsmann is aiming to be climate neutral by 2030, taking its share of responsibility in the battle against climate change and global warming.

The international media company, parent of Penguin Random House, said it intends to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by half, compared with 2018 when one million tons of CO₂ were emitted at its sites worldwide.

To achieve this, it will be switching to 100% green electricity, installing solar systems, improving energy efficiency, and using alternative mobility concepts.

It has also undertaken to offset remaining emissions through in-house climate protection projects and by purchasing carbon credits, and will be supporting its business customers in reducing product-related emissions.

Bertelsmann chairman and c.e.o. Thomas Rabe said: "With our decision to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, we are taking responsibility in the battle against climate change and global warming.

"The diversity of Bertelsmann’s businesses requires different, bespoke solutions. In our planning, we assume individual divisions will achieve the goal of climate neutrality more quickly than others. The first few units, such as the Corporate Centre in Gütersloh, will already achieve climate neutrality this year, others in the following years. In 2030, Bertelsmann will be a climate neutral company."

He added Bertelsmann has become one of around 800 companies worldwide to join the Science Based Target Initiative, supporting companies setting scientifically sound climate targets.

According to Bertelsmann, its individual divisions operate in different industries and therefore these will take the path to climate neutrality at different paces as they have different carbon footprints.

The announcement follows Bertelsmann launching a group-wide environmental initiative ("be green") and setting up an international working group in 2003. Since 2009, the group has documented its progress in reducing emissions by publishing its group-wide carbon footprint.