Advantech receives SBTi certification

The embedded specialist from Taiwan wants to contribute to global climate protection. For this reason, the company is joining SBTi. Specific actions are now to be derived from targets.

Advantech has voluntarily participated in the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to implement responsible production and formulate effective emission reduction strategies. Advantech promoted the SBTi in the third quarter of 2020 and obtained certification in June 2021, becoming the third tech company in Taiwan to obtain this international certification. This achievement demonstrates the company’s determination to assist with controlling the global temperature rise to well below 2°C.

The SBTi was collectively established by nonprofit institutions including the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI), and World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF). SBTs are based on the total amount of carbon that can be emitted to limit global warming to well below 2°C. They calculate the reasonable emission (carbon reduction) limit specific to an industry or company under a given global carbon budget scenario by using scientific and weighted calculation methods. The benefits of adopting SBTs include driving innovation within the company, preparing for new policies derived from low-carbon transformation in the future, reducing regulatory risks, and increasing business competitiveness. According to the SBTi website, as of the end of July 2021, more than 1,600 companies worldwide have adopted SBTs and more than 800 companies have emission targets approved by the SBTi. Advantech is the third company in the tech industry in Taiwan, and the top 20 company in the tech industry in Asia to obtain approval.

Advantech has planned energy conservation and carbon reduction strategies in addition to energy-efficient product designs, with emission reduction targets set according to the SBTi. These targets were submitted for review in May 2021 and approved in June. With 2019 as the base year, they are committed to an SBT of a 60% reduction in direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) GHG emission intensity by 2030, and a 49% reduction in GHG emission intensity from customers’ use of their products sold (Scope 3). Achieving these targets can not only reduce Advantech’s carbon emissions but also help customers improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

The international certification of SBTs is only the beginning. Using the ISO14064 GHG inventory, Advantech has identified that the greatest source of carbon emissions is from the generation of electricity (Scope 2). Accordingly, the company wants to better manage the electricity consumption. Product use is the greatest source of Scope 3 emissions; therefore, Advantech will plan energy-efficient product designs, such as by increasing the efficiency of power supply units and improving sustainable procurement requirements. In addition, Advantech will support government regulations and enforcement by planning a feasibility evaluation of using renewable energy in the future.