REDUCING CARBON
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. As a business, we believe we have an important role in growing and scaling capabilities in sustainability and climate action. Today, we are taking action to reduce and eliminate the emission of greenhouse gases from our own operations, and exploring ways in which we can reduce carbon emissions in our supply chain. We believe collaboration and partnerships are the key to achieve sustainable decarbonisation outcomes.
SETTING TARGETS AND MONITORING EMISSIONS
Any significant change in climate will impact those who depend on coffee for both their livelihoods and businesses. UCC’s Sustainability Direction focuses on protecting the environment and reducing emissions, as we transition to a lower-carbon economy. Globally, UCC has committed to science-based targets to reduce our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 46% by 2030 (compared to 2019 levels) and achieve carbon neutrality by 2040. In 2024, UCC Holdings (Singapore) registered with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to have these targets validated, ensuring our commitments are credible and aligned with the latest climate science.
To reduce emissions, we must first understand and accurately measure them. That’s why UCC calculates its Scope 1-3 emissions annually using the GHG Protocol Corporate Method.
UPSTREAM OPERATIONS
Assessing Climate Risks & Scope 3 Inventory
Evaluating climate risks and opportunities through TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) analysis and global Scope 3 verification.
Supplier Engagement & Emission Reduction
Working with suppliers to improve emission factors and implement climate adaption mitigation strategies.
GHG Protocol Implementation
Operationalising Land Sector and Removal Guidance to ensure credible in-setting impact claims.
Low-Carbon & Regenerative Offerings
Developing customer solutions for reduced-carbon coffee to support regenerative agriculture and an equitable climate transition.
OUR OWN OPERATIONS
Verified Carbon Footprint
UCC Europe’s Scope 1 & 2 emissions are annually verified by Carbon Trust (ISO 14064-3:2019).
Sustainable Operations
Key European roasting sites operate ISO 14001 – environmental management systems and operate with electricity that is 100% from renewable sources
Efficiency & Innovation
We are continuing to invest in energy-efficient roasters, heat exchangers, and develop a low-emission fleet to service customers alongside investing R&D in hydrogen and electric roasting
Emissions Reduction
Globally, UCC has achieved a 21.8% absolute CO2e reduction in 2024 vs. the 2019 baseline
TOTAL COFFEE SOLUTION
Scope 3 Insights: Identifying emission hotspots in coffee preparation and end-of-life processes.
Efficiency & Waste Reduction
UCC COFFEEWORKS drives best practices to minimise coffee waste and improve machine performance.
Circular Economy Partnerships
Collaborating on machine builds, repairs, recycling and incorporating solutions to our Coffee To Go units, enhancing sustainability.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
Advancing recyclable packaging and product carbon footprint capabilities to support our customers.