Learn how to address scope 3 emissions with renewable energy
Explore the whitepaper to examine renewable energy as a scope 3 decarbonisation solution.
Executive summary
When Bunzl, a major distributor of non-resale goods across the Americas, Europe, and Asia Pacific, set out to transform its commitment to net zero into a defined roadmap, it knew the path ahead would be an important part of its continued role as a leader in global distribution.
By partnering with 3Degrees, Bunzl developed a robust decarbonisation strategy, navigated the challenges of the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net Zero target, and gained greater clarity and confidence in its sustainability data, along with accounting for its FLAG emissions. Today, with SBTi Net Zero targets validated and a transparent roadmap in place, Bunzl has a clear and accountable path towards achieving net zero.
Read the full case study below.
Background
Bunzl is a successful and growing specialist international distribution and services Group, with operations across the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the UK & Ireland. Bunzl supports businesses all over the world with a variety of products and solutions that are essential for their thriving operations.
Motivated by its strong commitment to sustainability, Bunzl recognised the importance of achieving net zero emissions across its value chain by 2050, but translating this target into actionable steps, especially when most emissions fall outside its direct control (in scope 3), required expertise and a structured approach.
Challenges
- From ambition to action: Bunzl needed to turn high-level climate goals into a clear, science-driven action plan.
- Developing and submitting its SBT target: Although Bunzl already had a near-term science-based target, it needed support in setting an SBTi Net Zero target.
- Enhancing scope 3 emissions accounting: With nearly all of its emissions tied to suppliers and partners across the globe, Bunzl faced the task of enhancing the availability of accurate, high-quality data and improving transparency.
- Building trust through transparency: Reliable, traceable emissions accounting data was crucial for both Bunzl’s internal decision-making and external reporting.
How we helped
To address these challenges, 3Degrees brought both expertise and practical solutions:
Robust decarbonisation strategy
Working closely with Bunzl, 3Degrees designed a net zero roadmap that fits the company’s business model and operational priorities.
Expert guidance on SBTi targets
3Degrees supported Bunzl at every stage of the SBTi Net Zero submissions and validation process, including quantifying and integrating FLAG emissions to capture all relevant emission sources.
Scope 3 emissions GHG support
By conducting a thorough greenhouse gas accounting (GHG) of Bunzl’s scope 3 emissions, 3Degrees provided accurate calculations, clear documentation, and interactive dashboards to support both internal and external emissions reporting.
Actionable steps for the future
Bunzl received a set of recommendations for ongoing enhancement of its emissions tracking and reporting.
Partnering with 3Degrees was instrumental in turning our net zero ambition into a clear, actionable strategy. Their expertise guided us through the complexities of SBTi target validation, improved our Scope 3 emissions data accuracy, and enhanced the transparency of our sustainability reporting. What stood out was their flexibility and pragmatic approach. They adapted to our needs while keeping us aligned with best practices. With their support, we have laid a strong foundation for our decarbonisation journey aligned with Bunzl’s long-term priorities.
Results
Bunzl’s targets were approved by SBTi, marking an important milestone in its climate journey
Bunzl obtained a science-aligned, actionable plan for decarbonisation across all emission sources
Improved greenhouse gas accounting means Bunzl can share more credible, detailed information with stakeholders and track progress over time
Bunzl is equipped with actionable next steps to further refine scope 3 emissions data, bolster supplier engagement, and accelerate progress to net zero
