11 May 2023

• Firmly on track to reach our CO₂ reduction and renewable energy targets.​
• In addition to Scope 1 and 2 sustainability targets, for the first time we have calculated our Scope 3 emissions, and we have set Scope 3 reduction targets. ​
• Nobian participates in three internationally recognized standards (EcoVadis, CDP, SBTi) to report transparently on sustainability data. Our sustainability report and KPIs are independently assured. ​
• Nobian is working to further accelerate its reduction to zero CO₂ emissions and has signed an Expression of Principles with the Dutch government as part of the tailor-made agreements.​

Grow Greener Together
Nobian presented its 2022 annual sustainability report. Nobian’s sustainability results are in line with its ambitious sustainability program Grow Greener Together launched last year. 

To support reaching its goal to be one of the most sustainable chemical companies in Europe, Nobian has set a strong target of becoming carbon neutral by 2040, ahead of the Paris agreement, with 100% renewable energy. In 2022 Nobian achieved a 19,8% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions compared to 2020, putting the company firmly on track to reach its short-term target of a 25% reduction by 2025 and carbon neutral by 2040.

Apart from reducing carbon emissions and increasing the use of renewable energy, sustainability targets include the development of underground energy storage, certification of green products, such as hydrogen, recycling, safety, and community action. 

Accelerating zero CO₂ emissions through Expression of Principles with the Dutch government
Having already reduced its carbon footprint with 55% since 1990, the company is now working to reduce its CO₂ emissions even more quickly. To this end, Nobian signed an Expression of Principles with the Dutch government in 2022, as part of the tailor-made agreements between the Dutch government and industrial companies in the Netherlands. The approach includes projects that will allow to bring Nobian’s target of zero emissions by 2040 forward with another ten years, to 2030. A key component in this cooperation is the large-scale electrification of Nobian’s production processes, reducing both emissions and the use of natural gas.

Michael Koenig, CEO Nobian: “We are very proud to present our sustainability results over 2022. It gives me confidence that we are fully on track to realize our ambition of becoming climate neutral in Scope 1 and 2 by 2040, with 100% renewable energy.” Koenig added: “We are very focused on accelerating our sustainability actions even further in cooperation with the Dutch government. It is important to show that sustainability is in our hearts as well as in our actions, and I would like to give a big complement to the team, and everyone involved in helping us to deliver on these important targets.” 

Scope 3 calculations and targets
In addition to Scope 1 and 2, Nobian, for the first time, has calculated its Scope 3 emissions for the full range of relevant categories, and has now also set a target to reduce its Scope 3 emissions by 50% by 2040. Nobian’s VP R&D, Technology and Sustainability, Marco Waas: “Nobian is one of the first chemical companies in the Netherlands to have identified opportunities for improvement and set targets to reduce its Scope 3 value chain emissions by 50% by 2040. This underlines our commitment to deliver on our sustainability ambitions. We completed a detailed inventory of our Scope 3 emissions, including those from raw materials, transport, and capital goods. The results helped us determine which of our partners have the highest impact, and to engage with them on how to reduce GHG emissions further and together.” 

Transparent progress reporting and independent validation
To ensure evidence-based reporting and to push decarbonization transparently through its operations and value chain, Nobian decided to aim high from the outset by joining in three internationally recognized standards. Nobian is participating in the EcoVadis rating process to assess its sustainability performance and has identified climate-related risks and opportunities following the Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) framework. Last year, after its first submission, Nobian received an EcoVadis platinum rating for its "Grow Greener Together" sustainability goals and governance, that places Nobian in the top 1% of the best rated companies worldwide.  

In addition, Nobian is committing to Science-Based Targets (SBTi) in order to get its climate targets scientifically evaluated. Additionally, Nobian joined CDP, which means its progress on both its climate ambitions and water management will be reported in detail. Nobian’s sustainability report and ESG data  complies with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and its ESG data and sustainability report are independently assured by DNV. The outcome of these audits is that Nobian is on track to reach its 2025 and 2030 intermediate sustainability targets and has met its sustainability KPIs. Nobian’s sustainability targets form an integral part of the company’s financing framework.