GEA’s Climate Transition Plan 2040 aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero at every link in the value chain by 2040. The company is working towards short-, medium-, and long-term targets against a 2019 base year:

• Short term target for 2026: Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions of 60% by 2026. 
• Medium-term targets for 2030: Scope 1 and 2 emission reductions of 80% by 2030 and an emission reduction of 27.5% from product related emissions (scope 3). 
• Long-term targets for 2040: Net zero emissions by 2040. 

Both the net zero target for 2040 and the medium-targets for 2030 is in the process of SBTi-validation.

GEA has devised a specific action plan to achieve the net zero target by 2040. The action plan focus on three core areas: 1) Transformation of GEA’s operations (scope 1 and 2), 2) Product portfolio transformation (scope 3 downstream), 3) Supply chain decarbonization (scope 3 upstream).

GEA has initiated a Sustainable Procurement Program which mandates that all A-suppliers, which represent 80% of GEA’s total spend, must fulfill GEA’s sustainability criteria by 2030 to remain a key supplier. The criteria include:

• Accepting the Code of Conduct for Suppliers and Subcontractors.
• Registration at EcoVadis, completing the questionnaire, and sharing EcoVadis Scorecard (The supplier scores also influence the selection and development process; this enables GEA to track and improve its sustainability performance.).
• Commitment to GHG reduction target, approved by SBTi.
• Commitment to disclose selected GHG emission data for Product Life Cycle assessments by tracking emissions along the entire supply chain.

All of GEA’s procurement managers are trained in the area of decarbonizing supply chains. The sustainable procurement strategy is an integral part of onboarding procurement employees. Furthermore, all GEA employees are invited to participate in an annual sustainability focus weeks,  which includes training and information on climate change, and provides a platform to present GEA’s strategy. Further, this time is used to drive awareness and motivate employees to individually contribute to sustainability at work and in their daily lives.