Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV), a global business-to-business agriproducts company, announced its ambitious Net-Zero target has been approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). This significant achievement underscores Universal's commitment to sustainable business practices and its proactive approach to mitigating climate-related impacts.
The SBTi approval confirms that Universal Corporation's current net-zero target meets the rigorous criteria set by the initiative. This target is part of Universal's broader sustainability strategy, which includes reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain and investing in innovative solutions to mitigate the Company's environmental impact.
Specifically, Universal Corporation has committed to:
Overall Net-Zero target:
- Reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the value chain by 2050
Near-term targets:
- A 45 percent reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 2030 as compared to 2024
- A 25 percent reduction in absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods, waste generated in operations, business travel, processing of sold products, and use of sold products within the same timeframe
Long-term target:
- A 90 percent reduction in absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions by 2050 as compared to 2024
Universal Corporation also commits to no deforestation across its primary deforestation-linked commodities by December 2025. These targets are part of Universal's broader sustainability strategy, which include reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain and investing in innovative solutions to mitigate environmental impact.
Preston D. Wigner, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Universal, said, "Sustainability is good for our business and is good stewardship in the communities in which we operate. Our business strategy integrates responsible business practices, and we believe our commitment to sustainability is a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The approval of our net-zero target by the SBTi is a testament to our ability to drive positive business results while making a positive commitment to stewardship."
About the Science Based Targets initiative
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reductions targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050. Partner organizations who facilitated SBTi's growth and development 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). SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies' targets.
About Universal Corporation
Universal Corporation (NYSE:UVV) is a global agricultural company with over 100 years of experience supplying products and innovative solutions to meet our customers' evolving needs and precise specifications. Through our diverse network of farmers and partners across more than 30 countries on five continents, we are a trusted provider of high-quality, traceable products. We leverage our extensive supply chain expertise, global reach, integrated processing capabilities, and commitment to sustainability to provide a range of products and services designed to drive efficiency and deliver value to our customers. For more information, visit www.universalcorp.com.
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