Situation
The European head office has set a target for all European companies to become climate-neutral in Scope 1 and 2 by 2030. I was approached because of my many years of experience in the area of sustainability, as the previous PL had resigned and no short-term replacement could be found.
Challenge/scheduling
In spring 2023, all relevant divisions and, in some cases, their individual companies were to be surveyed within three months with regard to the decarbonization strategy, supported with information and appropriate measures initiated:
- Energy efficiency measures
- Own power generation solutions (in particular rooftop and ground-mounted PV systems)
- PPA (Power Purchase Agreements for green electricity)
- Cross border (or virtual) PPAs
- Purchase of EACs
- Sustainable result
Sustainable result
The Group has a company for energy efficiency measures. A cooperation agreement was concluded in order to also serve other business areas. Power generation solutions: initial projects have been discussed and initiated with individual companies. PPAs are the responsibility of the individual national companies. Cross-border PPAs/vPPs: a contract was concluded with an international service provider to launch a tender for PV capacities in southern Europe. In addition, an international law firm was contracted to coordinate the legal requirements and texts for the term sheet and vPPA agreement. With this vPPA, all European companies can be supplied with green electricity via the contractual hedging of EACs. All relevant stakeholders within the European organization were informed about the opportunities and risks of such a contract in a large number of face-to-face and virtual meetings.
Conclusion
In view of the fact that many companies in Germany have not yet taken advantage of the opportunities offered by complete decarbonization, this project can serve as a role model for other companies.
