Konecranes Updates Science-Based Emissions Target for 2030

Konecranes has announced a new near-term emissions reduction target for its own operations, increasing its goal for cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The updated target reflects progress the company says it has already made in reducing emissions and has been approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The company reached its previous science-based target for scope one and scope two emissions ahead of schedule in 2022. That target called for a 50% absolute reduction from a 2019 baseline. Konecranes now aims for a 60% absolute reduction in scope one and two emissions by 2030. As of 2024, the company reports a 54% reduction toward that goal.

In addition to its operational target, Konecranes has maintained its existing scope three target, which calls for a 50% absolute reduction in emissions from purchased goods and services and the use of sold products by 2030. Progress toward the scope three target stood at 20% in 2024.

The updated targets align with the Paris Agreement’s objective of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. As part of the SBTi validation process, Konecranes also updated its scope three emissions calculations using revised data, including updated energy-use assumptions for key products. The company said these changes resulted in lower reported total emissions compared with earlier calculations.

“Sustainability is embedded into Konecranes’ strategy and processes — it is a core part of who we are as a company. We strongly believe that our ambition to lead the material handling industry in cutting emissions — as seen in our updated targets — and continuing the development of low-carbon offering for customers will create further business opportunities for us,” said Konecranes President and CEO Marko Tulokas.

“Konecranes has made steady progress in reducing its climate impact, and that work has been recognized with the highest possible rankings in leading sustainability assessments like EcoVadis and CDP. Today’s news builds on that effort and underscores our ambition to continue that work,” said Anniina Virta-Toikka, vice president, sustainability, Konecranes.

Separately from its science-based targets, Konecranes has set a goal of achieving carbon-neutral operations by 2030. The company has refined that objective to focus on carbon-neutral manufacturing operations, citing uneven progress in vehicle electrification and charging infrastructure development. Carbon neutrality, according to the company, involves reducing emissions as much as possible and offsetting remaining emissions through verified carbon credits.

The updated science-based targets include land-related emissions and removals from biogenic feedstocks.