Nokian claims emissions-reduction target

Nokia, Finland – A quartet of environmental monitoring bodies has verified that Nokian Tyres plc has achieved an emissions-reduction target consistent with efforts necessary to help prevent the most damaging effects of climate change.

In a 15 May statement, Nokian said it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) in its operations since 2015 that meet the science based targets initiative (SBTi) established by the UN Global Compact, CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Nokian joined the SBTi in 2018, pledging to achieve its targets by 2020.

The targets covering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Nokian Tyres' operations were consistent with reductions required to keep climate warming by 1.5°C, Nokian noted.

Nokian has committed to reducing GHG emissions in three scopes: scope 1, direct emissions; scope 2, indirect emissions from purchased energy; and scope 3, emissions from all upstream and downstream transportation and distribution.

The company has committed to reducing:

•    Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 40% per tonne of tires from a 2015 base year;

•    Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services by 25% per tonne of tires from a 2018 base year;

•    Scope 3 GHG emissions from upstream and downstream transportation and distribution by 25% per tonne of tires from a 2018 base year; and 

•    Scope 3 GHG emissions from the use of sold products by 25% per tonne of tires from a 2018 base year.

"We have already witnessed a practically snowless winter in southern Finland and are committed to doing our part in saving winters for future generations," Nokian Tyres president and CEO Hille Korhonen said.

"During the last six years, we have already reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 44%, and the work continues."

SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting and independently assesses companies' targets.

The new climate goals will be linked to the company's value chain, as well as the environmental impacts of products.

There are 337 companies listed on the Science Based Targets website as participants in the initiative. Other tire companies participating include: JK Tyre & Industries Ltd.; Group Michelin and Pirelli & C SpA.