Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG), a leader in U.S. recycling and solid waste services, has achieved a significant milestone in its sustainability journey. The company has become the first in its sector to have its emissions reduction target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This prestigious approval confirms that Republic Services’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions aligns with the ambitious goals of the Paris Agreement, a landmark international accord focused on combating climate change.
Pete Keller, Vice President of Recycling and Sustainability at Republic Services, emphasized the company’s leadership role and dedication to environmental stewardship. “As an industry leader, it’s our responsibility to set a high standard by prioritizing environmental protection and the well-being of the communities we serve,” Keller stated. “Republic Services proactively pursued a science-based climate leadership goal, and we are proud to receive validation from SBTi, recognizing our deep commitment to emissions reduction across all our operations.”
This validation follows Republic Services’ recent unveiling of comprehensive long-term sustainability goals. A cornerstone of these goals is a robust climate change target, specifically aimed at achieving a 35 percent reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, using 2017 as a baseline year. This ambitious target firmly establishes Republic Services as a climate leader within the environmental services industry. The SBTi has verified that this emissions reduction target is consistent with the levels required to maintain global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius, a critical threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Heidi Huusko, Senior Manager, Environment and Climate at the United Nations Global Compact, highlighted the strategic advantages of science-based targets. “Science-based targets offer companies a clear and effective pathway to ensure future sustainable growth, unlock innovation opportunities, strengthen investor confidence, and enhance overall competitiveness,” said Huusko. “By having its emissions reduction targets rigorously validated by the SBTi, Republic Services is demonstrating its commitment to aligning its business practices with the scale and pace of transformation urgently needed to avert catastrophic global warming.”
Republic Services’ commitment to sustainability is further embodied in its Blue Planet® sustainability platform. This platform serves as a comprehensive framework guiding the company’s environmental initiatives and long-term sustainability vision. More detailed information about the Blue Planet® platform and Republic Services’ broader sustainability goals is available at RepublicServices.com/Sustainability.
Understanding Science-Based Targets
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) defines science-based targets as emissions reduction goals set by companies that are in line with the level of decarbonization needed to limit global warming to well-below 2°C compared to pre-industrial levels. This definition is grounded in the findings of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and the Paris Agreement. The Paris Agreement emphasizes the importance of strengthening global capacity to address the impacts of climate change and aligning financial flows with a pathway towards low GHG emissions and climate resilience.
The SBTi is a collaboration between leading environmental organizations: CDP, the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI), and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). It plays a crucial role in establishing and promoting best practices for setting science-based targets and provides independent assessment and validation of companies’ targets.
About Republic Services, Inc.
Republic Services, Inc. stands as a prominent leader in the U.S. recycling and non-hazardous solid waste disposal industry. Through its extensive network of subsidiaries, Republic Services operates collection services, transfer stations, recycling processing centers, landfills, and energy and environmental services. The company is dedicated to providing efficient and responsible recycling and waste disposal solutions for over 14 million customers across the nation. With a workforce of more than 36,000 employees, Republic Services is committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences and fostering a sustainable Blue Planet® for future generations, contributing to a cleaner, safer, and healthier world.
For additional information about Republic Services, please visit RepublicServices.com. Stay connected with Republic Services through their social media channels: Facebook.com/RepublicServices, @RepublicService on Twitter, and @republic_services on Instagram.
