The goal will be realised by addressing Scope 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions and actions are being measured by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The SBTi is a collaborative effort between the CBP (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project), United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), motivating companies to set ambitious and scientifically sound goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in alignment with global climate targets.
Companies participating in the SBTi commit to defining and implementing targets that are consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.
Swissport has pledged to submit its targets and undergo a validation process within the next 2 years and intends to disclose a comprehensive transition pathway that addresses the challenges posed by climate change.
Warwick Brady, President and CEO of Swissport International, said: “Addressing climate change head-on is the most significant challenge of our time. In committing to targets which will be validated through the Science Based Targets initiative, Swissport makes a meaningful contribution to securing a sustainable future for the planet and for our business.”
Electrifying its ground support vehicles is the backbone of Swissport’s efforts to reach net-zero carbon emissions with the company announcing last year that it plans to increase the share of electric vehicles to at least 55% of its motorised fleet by 2032.
This has already been achieved at some locations with 98% of forklifts in Swissport’s cargo operations in Finland being electric following the fleet renewal.
Swissport is working with airports to implement the required infrastructure such as charging stations.
The near-term target of reducing Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by at least 42% by 2032 has been established and a comprehensive emissions reporting system has been established aligned with standards of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
Plastic waste is another area of focus with Swissport set to get rid of all plastic tableware in its Aspire Airport Lounges by 2025 and initiatives have been launched to reduce foil wrap consumption in air cargo centres in Belgium, Germany and Finland where 100% of plastic foil is collected and repurposed to wrap new pallets.