BMG Parent Bertelsmann Pledges to Be Climate Neutral by 2030

GÜTERSLOH – German media conglomerate Bertelsmann, parent of BMG, has set a goal to be climate neutral by 2030. The company said this week that it aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions generated at its network of offices, by its employees’ mobility, and the manufacture of its products by 50% compared to 2018, when emissions amounted to one million tons of CO2. The remaining emissions will be offset.

Bertelsmann said goals for emissions from operations and employees will be met by switching to 100% green electricity, including additional solar panel systems, and by using “alternative mobility concepts” for transportation. The company said it will work with partners on meeting goals for emissions from print and digital product supply chains.

“Protecting the environment is part of our corporate values,” said Thomas Rabe, chairman & CEO of Bertelsmann. “With our decision to achieve climate neutrality by 2030, we are taking responsibility in the battle against climate change and global warming. In this connection, Bertelsmann has become one of around 800 companies worldwide to join the Science Based Target Initiative. The initiative supports companies in setting scientifically sound climate targets.”

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Bertelsmann’s individual divisions, which operate in a wide swath of industries and therefore have different carbon footprints, will take the path to climate neutrality at varying paces.  

Rabe added: “Bertelsmann is a diversified company. This is reflected in our goal, because the diversity of Bertelsmann’s businesses requires different, bespoke solutions. In our planning, we assume that individual divisions will achieve the goal of climate neutrality more quickly than others. The first few units, such as the Corporate Center in Gütersloh, will already achieve climate neutrality this year, others in the following years.

In 2030, Bertelsmann will be a climate neutral company.”