When tackling climate change, it’s essential for companies to take bold, measurable steps towards sustainability. Achieving net zero emissions requires clear goals and strategies that drive corporate climate action. At thyssenkrupp nucera®, these commitments resonate at every level of their operations. We sat down with Naveedh Ahmed, Sustainability Manager at thyssenkrupp nucera, to discuss our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve ambitious net zero goals.
The interviewee
Naveedh Ahmed
Sustainability Manager at thyssenkrupp nucera
Many companies today refer to Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions in their sustainability strategies. Could you explain what Scope 1 emissions are?
Absolutely. Scope 1 refers to direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources that a company owns or controls. These can be split into three key categories. First, there’s fuel combustion, which includes emissions from on-site energy generation or company-owned vehicles. Then there are process emissions, which stem from industrial processes like chemical reactions or exhaust in manufacturing. Finally, we have fugitive emissions, such as refrigerant leaks from HVAC systems or methane leaks in pipelines.
For thyssenkrupp nucera specifically, Scope 1 is primarily about emissions from our company-owned vehicles fuel use and heating.
And how does Scope 2 differ from Scope 1 emissions?
Scope 2 emissions are slightly different because they’re from indirect energy use. These are greenhouse gas emissions from purchased energy—such as electricity, steam, heat, or cooling—that a company uses.
For example, electricity use is a significant contributor to Scope 2 emissions. Similarly, emissions from district heating systems or centralized cooling systems also fall into this category. At thyssenkrupp nucera, Scope 2 emissions are driven by our electricity usage across our global offices and laboratories.
Scope 3 emissions often seem to dominate discussions about carbon footprints. Why are they so important?
That’s because Scope 3 emissions typically represent the largest share of a company’s greenhouse gas emissions footprint. These are indirect emissions across the entire value chain—upstream and downstream—that are outside a company’s direct control.
To break it down, upstream activities include emissions related to purchased goods, services, transportation, and supply chain activities. Even the materials we purchase and the transportation involved in delivering goods contribute to this category.
On the other hand, downstream activities focus on post-sale emissions, including how customers use and dispose of products. At thyssenkrupp nucera, downstream emissions are particularly critical since they’re tied to the energy consumption of our advanced electrolyzers, which our customers operate over long timeframes.
How do upstream and downstream emissions translate specifically for thyssenkrupp nucera?
For upstream emissions, we’re looking at the greenhouse gas footprint of purchased materials and services required for our operations and to manufacture our products. Other key contributors include upstream transportation, business travel, and even employee commutes.
Downstream, it’s all about the use-phase emissions of our electrolyzers caused by energy consumption, which would be integral in hydrogen and chlor alkali production over the electrolyzer’s life span, their energy consumption—dictated by energy mix—becomes a major focus for addressing Scope 3 downstream emissions.
thyssenkrupp nucera has set ambitious net zero goals. Could you share what these goals entail?
Of course. We are committed to achieving net zero emissions for Scopes 1 and 2 by 2030. For Scope 3, owing to its complexity and scale, our goal is to achieve net zero by 2050.
To clarify, achieving net zero means reducing the emissions to residual level along the period by transforming our processes within the value chain. It’s a critical pathway for limiting global warming to the 1.5°C target set out by the Paris Agreement.
What steps are we taking to achieve these net zero targets?
Achieving net zero is all about collaboration and innovation across the value chain. We aim to work hand-in-hand with our upstream partners to better understand the greenhouse gas footprint of our product components during manufacturing. This involves sharing detailed data on GHG emissions and actively collaborating in decarbonization strategies for our raw materials and components.
Downstream, engaging with our customers is vital. Since they influence the use-phase emissions of our electrolyzers, we aim to promote the use of cleaner energy sources and market-based renewable instruments. By aligning with them on decarbonization efforts, we target meaningful reductions in Scope 3 emissions.
And what is the difference between “net zero” and “carbon neutral”?
Net zero involves achieving a balance between all GHG emissions—not just carbon dioxide—and their removal. It emphasizes cutting emissions wherever possible rather than purely relying on offsets.
On the other hand, carbon neutral focuses specifically on carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. It balances emitted CO₂ with an equivalent amount of removal or offset but doesn’t address other greenhouse gases to the same extent.
Thank you for sharing these detailed insights. Do you have a closing thought?
The road to net zero isn’t easy, but it’s essential. By addressing emissions at every level—upstream, midstream, and downstream—and collaborating across industries, businesses like ours can make a tangible difference. Sustainability isn’t just about compliance; it’s about driving change that ensures a healthier planet for future generations.
We are committed to doing our part, and we’re confident that with the right partnerships and evolving technology, these ambitious targets can be met.
