Moodys
WEBP / 19 KB
Fewer emissions, more future
Our successes in climate protection
VERBUND proudly looks back on the emission savings realised over the last 20 years. We have already ended the use of lignite (2006), crude oil (2015) and hard coal (2020) as fuels and have thus been one of the early movers among electricity supply companies for years. These measures and the large proportion of renewable generation have made a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our plants. ETS emissions were reduced by 92% between 2005 and 2023.
In 2024, 96% of VERBUND's electricity generation came from hydro, wind and solar power. Due to the fact that thermal power plants are still required to support the grid and supply district heating, the remaining 4% comes from thermal power plants. VERBUND thus contributes both to the avoidance and reduction of emissions and to SDG 13 ‘Climate action’.
When calculating GHG emissions, we work in accordance with international standards such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and are validated by auditors. The results are published annually in the Integrated Annual Report.
VERBUND Climate Transition Plan
The path to net zero (net zero greenhouse gas emissions)
We are committed to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. In addition to the challenges and risks, VERBUND sees the opportunities presented by the expansion of renewable energy and the decarbonisation of the energy sector. By implementing our strategy, we want to utilise these opportunities and contribute to achieving the climate targets.
Objectives until 2030
Emissions reduction: VERBUND is committed to reducing absolute greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1, 2 and 3 excluding Category 2 by 74% from 2020 to 2030. Category 2 emissions are indirect emissions from investments in the decarbonisation of the energy system.
VERBUND is committed to reducing the intensity of Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions) from electricity generation by 40% by 2030.
VERBUND commits to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 3 electricity sales by 90%, starting from the base year 2020.
Objectives until 2040
90 per cent reduction: VERBUND is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1, 2 and 3 excluding Category 2 by 90 per cent from the base year 2020 to 2040.
This is achieved primarily by reducing specific greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 (direct emissions) by 90 % and by reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 3 (electricity sales) by 98 %, starting from the base year 2020.
Objectives until 2050
Net zero: VERBUND commits to net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 (reduction of at least 90% of greenhouse gas emissions and elimination of residual emissions) from the base year 2020, with the exception of greenhouse gas emissions resulting from investments in the decarbonisation of the energy system (expansion of renewable energy).
Download Net-Zero Assessment von Moody´s
We analyse the opportunities and risks of climate change
VERBUND actively addresses the effects of climate change and their significance for the company, and considers, among other things, the relevant regulatory framework, such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the European Green Deal, or the development of environmental conditions, for example in meteorological models.
We have been transparently presenting the management of climate change risks and opportunities, the organisational anchoring and specific targets and measures since 2007 at CDP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) in the annual climate questionnaire.
In addition to the challenges and risks, VERBUND sees the opportunities presented by the expansion of renewable energy and the decarbonisation of the energy sector. By implementing our strategy, we are utilising these opportunities and contributing to the achievement of climate targets.
