Merck, a leading science and technology company, aims to significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The independent Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has now confirmed that the company’s targets correspond to the current status of climate science. Consequently, Merck is helping to limit global warming to 1.5°C, thus meeting the requirements of the Paris Agreement.

“The Paris Climate goals remain within reach if the world can unite around science and technology. The verification of our 2030 targets by the Science-Based Target initiative, an independent and respected body, underlines our commitment to remain transparent and accountable throughout our entire sustainability journey,” said Belén Garijo, Chair of the Executive Board and CEO of Merck.

The Science Based Targets initiative has confirmed the following Merck targets:

• Merck has committed to lowering its absolute direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030. The baseline year is 2020.
• Moreover, Merck has pledged to lower its indirect emissions along the entire value chain (Scope 3) by 52% per euro value added by 2030. The baseline year is also 2020.

The achievement of the target for Scope 1 and Scope 2 is also part of the compensation system of the members of the Executive Board.

The climate targets are part of the sustainability strategy of Merck. With this strategy, the company is pursuing specific goals in the areas of sustainable science and technology and value chains as well as climate change and the environment. By 2040, Merck intends to achieve climate-neutral operations and lower its resource consumption, among other things. In doing so, the company will also contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).