Epiroc’s CO2 goals validated by Science Based Targets

A previously diesel-powered Epiroc Scooptram ST1030 underground mining loader converted by FVT Research into battery electric.

Epiroc’s sustainability goals have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), as being in line with keeping global warming to a maximum 1.5°C.

The Swedish manufacturer’s 2030 sustainability goals and its commitment to SBTi were announced in July of 2020 along with its commitment to SBTi - which aims to drive private sector companies to take action on climate change.

After a year of developing its carbon reduction strategy - which includes reducing its Scope 3 CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030 - the company’s sustainability targets have been approved and published by the SBTi following an assessment process.

Helena Hedblom, Epiroc’s President and CEO, said, “Epiroc is committed to halve CO₂ emissions from the use of our equipment as well as in our own production and in transport by 2030.

“With the approval of our goals from SBTi, our position as a sustainability leader in our industry has now been reinforced.”

With around 89% of all its carbon emissions coming from when customers use its equipment, Epiroc said its commitment was “industry leading and well above SBTi minimum requirements”.

Scope 3 covers the emissions generated by a company’s value chain and covers its activities such as business travel, employing commuting, waste disposal, investments, leased assets, distribution and the purchase of goods and services.

Epiroc has also committed to halving both its Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which accounts for greenhouse gases produced directly from the combustion of fuel, and those produced indirectly from the use of electricity, heat and steam.

To meet its SBTi targets, Epiroc will shift the transport of its products from air to sea, and ensure that 90% of the energy it uses is sourced from renewable sources. 

The company, which now requires its relevant suppliers to reduce their CO₂ emissions by 50%, will also focus more on growing its range of battery-electric equipment.

The company’s push into the electric market has already been evidenced by a number of its recent activities.

Just two months ago Epiroc acquired Canadian company FVT Research Inc., which specialises in converting diesel-powered mining machines to battery-electric vehicles, and last month it announced that it would develop and test an electric trolley truck system for the mining sector.

Epiroc said, “The transition from diesel-powered to battery-electric machines will make a significant impact.”