Research publisher Springer Nature has net-zero targets validated by Science Based Targets initiative
London | New York | Berlin, 5 October 2023
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has verified Springer Nature Group’s science-based emissions reductions targets.
- 54.6% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2032.
- 32.5% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2032.
- 90% reduction across all scopes target to reach net zero by 20401.
Global research publisher Springer Nature Group has today issued a supplement to their 2022 Sustainable Business report, confirming that the SBTi has verified their net-zero science-based targets, and providing additional detail on scope 3 emissions. Taken together, these map out the company’s route to net zero by 2040.
The targets aim for ambitious emissions reductions, in line with the expectations set by the SBTi: this includes a 54.6% emissions reduction target in scope 1 and 2 emissions2 and 32.5% emissions reduction in scope 3 emissions3 by 2032. In the longer term, the Group will target a 90% reduction across all scopes by 2040.
Specific action the publisher is taking to reach net zero include the ongoing transition to digital delivery of content, changes to travel policies, and working with suppliers on common goals.
Setting targets forms one part of Springer Nature Group’s net-zero plan. They have already made significant inroads to reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions, and since 2020 have been carbon neutral for their offices, warehouses, fleet and flights through purchasing high quality carbon offsets. They are now prioritising emissions reductions in line with SBTi guidance and in 2021 were the first publisher to sign The Climate Pledge by committing to being net zero by 20404.
Springer Nature Group’s Director of Sustainability and Climate Action Officer Thea Sherer said:
“Through our role as a trusted research publisher, we contribute to advancing solutions to mitigate climate change by widely disseminating leading research. Since 2015, we have published more than 60,000 articles or book chapters on climate action. However we also have a responsibility to reduce our own carbon emissions as a global business. Having our targets validated by SBTi is an important step for us as we set out to deliver for our customers while having a lighter impact on the planet. Listening to the science is second nature to us, and we look forward to putting the science we publish into action as we move towards net zero by 2040."
ENDS
- All with the baseline year of 2019. The 2040 targets cover (1) scope 1 and 2 combined and (2) scope 3.
- Includes fuel burnt on site and in vehicles, plus electricity used on site.
- GHG Protocol categories 1 - 15 plus well-to-tank (WTT) emissions as requested by SBTi.
More information on the actions Springer Nature Group is taking by 2025 to reduce their footprint across scopes is accessible in their latest Sustainable Business Report.
For over 180 years Springer Nature has been advancing discovery by providing the best possible service to the whole research community. We help researchers uncover new ideas, make sure all the research we publish is significant, robust and stands up to objective scrutiny, that it reaches all relevant audiences in the best possible format, and can be discovered, accessed, used, re-used and shared. We support librarians and institutions with innovations in technology and data; and provide quality publishing support to societies.
As a research publisher, Springer Nature is home to trusted brands including Springer, Nature Portfolio, BMC, Palgrave Macmillan and Scientific American. For more information, please visit springernature.com and @SpringerNature
Maeve Dunne | Sustainability Communications | Springer Nature
maeve.dunne@springernature.com
