Nestle named among global leaders in tackling climate change

24 Oct 2017 --- Nestlé has been recognized as a global leader in its response to climate change, again earning a place in the annual CDP Climate A List. Nestlé is among just 5 percent of participating companies to be featured on the 2017 Climate A List, compiled by global non-for-profit charity CDP. This is in recognition of action taken in the last year to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and develop the low-carbon economy.

Climate change leadership is part of Nestlé’s purpose of enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future.

Over the last 10 years, there has been real progress. Nestlé has reduced direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per ton of product by 39 percent while increasing production by 46 percent. "We are on track to achieve our science-based 2020 objective to reduce GHG emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) per ton of product by 35 percent in our manufacturing operations versus 2010," says the company. 

Other companies featured on this year's climate change A-list include:

Givaudan SA
Coca-Cola European Partners
Coca-Cola HBC AG
Diageo Plc
Unilever PLC

Symrise again among global leaders in CDP ranking 
CDP has rated Symrise AG as a global leader in the categories of climate, water and forests. The fragrance and flavor supplier is therefore among the top 25 sustainable companies worldwide. 

The Carbon Disclosure Project (or CDP) assesses how companies and governments reduce greenhouse gas emissions, use water responsibly and promote the protection of forests internationally with their own activities and along their supply chains. The CDP scores these results in four grades, with “A” being the highest and “D” the lowest. With the awarded “A grade”, Symrise received the highest rating for both its climate and water protection activities. The Group was awarded an “A-” for its responsible approach to forest conservation and thereby secured a leadership position in this category as well. 

Responsibility toward nature and society  
“Protecting our biosphere and preserving functioning ecosystems is a priority for Symrise. We are always looking to shape our business operations in a sustainable manner and constantly improve our performance. CDP is an important driving force and guides us along this path,” says Hans Holger Gliewe, Chief Sustainability Officer at Symrise. 

“For a globally active processor of natural raw materials, the effective commitment to protecting our climate, water and forests is both a question of corporate social responsibility and a key strategic pillar for the successful economic development of Symrise. The CDP ratings clearly show that we at Symrise are on the right track with our sustainability program. They are an incentive for us to continue on this path in the long term,” adds Gliewe. 

In 2017, more than 6,300 companies accounting for 55 percent of the world’s market capitalization provided CDP with their environmental data. In addition, more than 100 countries and regions, as well as 500 cities, made this information available to the organization. This makes CDP one of the most important sources of information when it comes to how companies and governments are strategically and operationally responding to global environmental change. 

Firmenich on CDP “A List” for sustainable water management adding to “A List” for climate   
Elsewhere and adding to its “A List” for climate, Firmenich confirms its leadership in sustainable water management with its ranking on CDP’s Water “A List”, among the top 10 percent of companies participating in CDP’s Corporate Water Disclosure program. 
 
“Committed to the UN SDGs, we have set ourselves ambitious 2020 environmental goals, embedding sustainability metrics across our business,” says Gilbert Ghostine, CEO. “That’s why, being ranked on the CDP Water “A List” adding to our “A List” for climate, means a lot to us. It recognizes our ongoing efforts to lead our industry in environmental management.”  
 
“Being identified as a global leader in water management by CDP demonstrates our commitment to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water, in alignment with SDG Goal 6,” explains Neil McFarlane, Senior Vice President, Quality, Health, Safety, Security & Environment. “Reaching the Water “A List” in 2017, and the Supplier Climate A-List for the past three years is a testament to our dedication to environmental sustainability.”  
 
CDP’s Executive Chair Paul Dickinson says: “Congratulations to all the companies that made it onto the Water “A List” this year. Climate change, industrialization and population growth are putting unprecedented pressure on water supplies. 43 percent of companies say they are already facing water risks that could disrupt their business. Because of this, companies are stepping up for a water secure world, moving us towards a tipping point on environmental action.”  
 
In 2017, over 700 companies responded and submitted annual water disclosures to CDP for independent assessment against its scoring methodology. Out of these hundreds of companies, only 73 scored at the Leadership A level and joined the Water “A List”. The Water “A List” and other company scores are available on CDP’s website. The scores are released on the same day as CDP’s second annual analysis of the series: Tracking progress on corporate climate action.

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