RWS, a unique, world-leading provider of technology-enabled language, content and intellectual property solutions, announces that its near-term science-based emissions reduction target has been approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The approval is a key milestone in RWS’ sustainability journey.

In 2022, RWS took measures to enhance the accuracy of its carbon footprint by improving data collection and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to include both its operations and supply chain and has now committed to setting carbon reduction targets that are aligned with the SBTi.

The SBTi is a corporate climate action organisation that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combatting the climate crisis. Its standards and tools allow companies to set targets for the reduction of GHG emissions.

In February 2024, RWS submitted two GHG inventories for review by the SBTi Target Validation Team. The SBTi Target Validation team classified RWS’ Scope I and II target ambition and has determined that it is in line with the 1.5°C trajectory (i.e. it is aligned with a rate of decarbonisation that is consistent with keeping global temperature increases to 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial temperatures). SBTi also notes in its report that RWS has chosen to report on its emissions beyond the minimum disclosure requirement.

Near-term targets

• RWS commits to reducing its Scope I and II GHG emissions by 54.6% by the end of its financial year ending 30 September 2033 (FY33) from a FY22 base year.
• RWS also commits to reducing its Scope III GHG emissions from purchased goods and services and employee commuting by 61.1% for every £1m ($1.28m) of value added within the same timeframe.

Ian El-Mokadem, CEO of RWS, said: “The SBTi is the gold standard for defining the pathway to reduce corporate greenhouse gas emissions and we’re proud of this recognition of our commitment. Sustainability is core to the way we operate and we will continue to ensure that we’re doing all that we can to combat the climate crisis.”