Schaeffler Targets 42% Scope 1 and 2 Emissions Cuts by 2035

Schaeffler Receives SBTi Validation for Near-Term Emissions Reduction Targets

Schaeffler AG (Schaeffler) has received confirmation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) that its near-term greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets comply with the organization's criteria and recommendations. The validation covers the company's planned reductions in Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions by 2035, using 2025 as the baseline year. The confirmation provides independent recognition that Schaeffler's near-term climate targets align with the applicable SBTi framework.

Schaeffler Sets 2035 Targets for Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions

Under its validated near-term commitments, Schaeffler aims to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions from Scope 1 and Scope 2 by 42% by 2035, compared with the 2025 baseline. The company has also established a separate target of reducing absolute Scope 3 emissions by 30% over the same period. These commitments address emissions associated with the company's direct operations, purchased energy, and wider value chain, establishing distinct reduction objectives for the different emissions categories.

Scope 3 Target Covers Multiple Value Chain Activities

Schaeffler's Scope 3 reduction target includes emissions from several categories of business activity. These cover purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel and energy-related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, operational waste, and business travel. The inclusion of these categories extends the company's reduction efforts beyond emissions generated directly by its own operations. It also brings suppliers, procurement activities, logistics, and other value chain-related processes within the scope of its stated 2035 emissions reduction commitment.

2050 Net-Zero Ambition Includes a 90% Emissions Reduction

In addition to its validated near-term commitments, Schaeffler aims to become a net-zero company by 2050. Its long-term ambition includes reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 by 90%, using 2025 as the baseline. The company intends to neutralize the remaining emissions in accordance with applicable net-zero requirements. However, Schaeffler's 2050 net-zero target has not been validated by the SBTi. This distinction separates the independently confirmed near-term targets from the company's longer-term ambition.

Key Details of Schaeffler's Emissions Reduction Commitments

Industry Impact & Outlook

Schaeffler's validated targets place measurable emissions reductions across both manufacturing operations and value chain activities within its corporate sustainability commitments. The 30% Scope 3 reduction target is particularly relevant to suppliers, procurement partners, and logistics providers because these activities are explicitly included in the company's emissions reduction scope. For the automotive supply industry, the commitments highlight the importance of addressing indirect emissions alongside operational energy use. Progress toward the 2035 objectives will be an important measure of implementation, while the 2050 ambition remains a separate long-term commitment that has yet to receive SBTi validation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What emissions reduction targets has Schaeffler received SBTi validation for?
Schaeffler has received SBTi validation for its near-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions by 2035. The company aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% and Scope 3 emissions by 30%, using 2025 as the baseline. The confirmation establishes that these near-term targets comply with the Science Based Targets initiative's criteria and recommendations. The validation applies to these specified commitments rather than automatically covering the company's separate 2050 net-zero ambition.

2. How much does Schaeffler plan to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035?
Schaeffler aims to reduce its absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2035, compared with the 2025 baseline. These categories cover emissions associated with the company's direct operations and purchased energy. The reduction target forms part of the company's near-term climate commitments, which have been confirmed by the SBTi as complying with its criteria and recommendations. The target establishes a specific reduction objective for Schaeffler's operational emissions over the period leading to 2035.

3. Which activities are included in Schaeffler's Scope 3 emissions reduction target?
Schaeffler's Scope 3 target covers emissions associated with purchased goods and services, capital goods, fuel and energy activities, upstream transportation and distribution, operational waste, and business travel. These categories extend the company's emissions reduction commitments across several value chain activities. The company aims to achieve a 30% reduction in absolute Scope 3 emissions by 2035, using 2025 as the baseline. This target has received SBTi validation alongside the company's separate Scope 1 and 2 reduction commitment.

4. What is Schaeffler's net-zero target for 2050?
Schaeffler aims to become a net-zero company by 2050 through a 90% reduction in absolute Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions. The company uses 2025 as the baseline for this long-term reduction ambition. It also intends to neutralize the remaining emissions in accordance with applicable net-zero requirements. However, this 2050 target has not been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. It therefore remains distinct from the company's validated near-term emissions reduction commitments for 2035.

5. Has the SBTi validated Schaeffler's 2050 net-zero target?
No, Schaeffler's 2050 net-zero target has not been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. The SBTi confirmation specifically covers the company's near-term greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for 2035. These include a 42% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, compared with the 2025 baseline. Schaeffler's longer-term ambition involves reducing emissions across all three scopes by 90% and neutralizing the remainder under applicable net-zero requirements.