SBTi is a global body that enables companies to set ambitious emission reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. Its Net-Zero Standard is the world's first scientific certification of companies' carbon neutrality goals, in line with the Paris Agreement's mission to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

"Illumina is proud to join SBTi as the world's first genomics company with a scientifically validated net-zero emissions goal," said John Frank, Illumina's Director of Public Affairs. This approach will help us demonstrate that our long-term net-zero climate goals are credible, ambitious and responsible. »

Illumina's objectives approved by SBTi

• Net-zero emissions target
• Commitment to achieve net-zero GHG emissions for all of Illumina's direct operations (Type 1 and 2) and our value chain (Type 3) by 2050 compared to 2019 baselines
• Short-term objectives based on 2019 reference levels
• Reduce absolute GHG emissions from direct operations by 46% by 2030
• Reduce absolute GHG emissions from indirect activities by 46% by 2030 by focusing on value chain elements associated with purchased materials, transportation, investment, business travel and employee travel
• Increase the annual supply of renewable electricity from 0.6% in 2019 to 100% by 2030
• Long-term objectives based on 2019 reference levels
• Reduce absolute GHG emissions from direct operations by 90% by 2050
• Reduce absolute GHG emissions from indirect transactions associated with purchased goods and services, capital goods, upstream transportation and distribution, business travel, employee travel and investment by 90% by 2050

In October 2021, SBTi launched the world's first Corporate Net-Zero Standard. In January 2022, it opened this certification to all companies, and Illumina was among the first to request verification of its net-zero emissions target. Illumina is now part of the first group of companies in the world to receive validation of its objectives on scientific criteria.

"SBTi's Net-Zero Corporate Standard helps create alignment and spur action," Frank said. "There is still a lot of work to be done, but we are committed to the most ambitious level of climate action and we urge others to do the same."

"As a science-based organization, we need to ensure that our reduction targets are aligned and verified with a science-based approach," said Sharon Vidal, Director of Corporate Social Responsibility at Illumina. "SBTi's validation of our net-zero emissions targets is critical to integrating environmental management into the fabric of our operations."

Illumina's progress towards carbon neutrality and sustainability will be presented in the corporate social responsibility annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report.

Illumina's Climate Action Plan includes a $20 million philanthropic commitment to support initiatives dedicated to sustainable innovation and environmental justice, as well as goals to reduce water intensity and waste in landfills in direct operations. Click here to learn more about Illumina's approach to environmental sustainability.