Mercury has announced its commitment to a renewed pledge aimed at setting carbon-reduction targets based on climate science.

This landmark undertaking ensures that Mercury remains part of a leadership group consisting of sixty of Ireland’s largest companies, who have all vowed to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

This renewed pledge, which is overseen by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), requires businesses to set science-based emission reduction targets no later than 2024 – which is based on what climate science indicates is necessary to limit global warming to within 1.5 degrees, a key goal of the United Nation’s Paris climate agreement.

In 2020, Mercury signed BITCI’s low carbon pledge which assists in reducing its Scope 1 & 2 greenhouse gas emission intensity by 50% by 2030.

Ann Garbutt, Sustainability & Organisational Development Director said: “We believe it’s everyone’s duty to protect our planet and our people, finding new ways to lessen our footprint and enhance the lives of future generations. Mercury is proud to be part of a group made up of sixty of Ireland’s largest companies who are committed to sustainable change. We’re determined to do our part and will focus the necessary resources needed on achieving our carbon-reduction goals. Sustainability starts from within and we’re determined to lead by example.”

Minister for Climate Action and Environment Eamon Ryan has welcomed the news of this renewed pledge.

Minister Ryan stated: “We must accelerate our climate response across our economy and society. I commend Business in the Community Ireland on this collective action especially as it brings together companies from different sectors and at different levels of maturity on their decarbonisation journey.”

Responsible Business – Our Planet, Our Duty

Earlier this year, Mercury launched its Responsible Business plan, ‘Our Planet, Our Duty’, which is a promise to help create a more sustainable environment. It forms one of the foundation blocks of Beyond50, Mercury’s five-year plan to push further and take the company beyond its 50th year in business.

Five platforms of Responsible Business:

1. Environment & Climate Change
2. People, Wellbeing & Safety
3. Technology & Innovation
4. Operations & Value Chain
5. Society & Community