Through Eyes on Carbon, we are contributing to the global agenda of tackling climate change.
We are determined not to let carbon cloud our vision. Our efforts are focused on reducing the Group’s carbon footprint throughout our entire value chain to help limit the effects of climate change on our planet, for ourselves and for future generations.
As a key milestone in the Group long-term climate change commitment, in 2024, we set the following science-based emission reduction targets, that have been validated by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi):
1) 42% absolute reduction of Scopes 1&2 GHG emissions by 2030 from a 2022 baseline;
2) 25% absolute reduction of Scope 3 GHG emissions on selected categories (purchased goods and services, fuel - and energy - related activities, upstream transportation and distribution and waste generated in operations) within the same timeframe.
Since the creation of EssilorLuxottica, we have been committed to minimizing the Group environmental impact throughout the entire value chain, aiming to mitigate the effects of climate change on the planet. Key milestones include reducing and neutralizing the carbon footprint of our direct operations (Scope 1 and 2) globally by 2025 (already achieved in Europe in 2023).
Our climate strategy focuses on increasing the self-production and use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency across facilities, optimizing our supply chain and supporting the protection and restoration of natural ecosystems.
We have a vision: to produce and procure renewable electricity wherever we can.
We create our own renewable energy by investing in photovoltaic installations for electricity and biomass heating as well as cooling systems.
In 2024, the Group installed and started up different on-site renewable energy plants on 10 sites and 9 countries (China, France, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Thailand, UK and US).
Renewable energy generated by these photovoltaic plants is primarily consumed onsite in our factories, offering direct and long-term benefits to reduce emissions.
Over the next five years, our renewable energy roadmap foresees the installation of more generating assets, in several different countries, achieving a total onsite production of renewable electricity of more than 95,000 MWh/year, reducing more than 54,000 tCO2e/year.
We’ve also increased the share of renewables in our energy mix by working with key providers of green energy. For example, in 2023, our sites in Italy started using renewable energy following the 12-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) signed with ERG Power Generation for the supply of approximately 900 GWh of green energy between 2023 and 2034.
In 2024, the renewable energy consumed grew by 65% and was equal to 58% of the total Group’s energy consumption.
We are investing in new process designs and performing frequent updates of equipment and technologies. For example, we have been upgrading large electrical motors to higher energy efficiency classes and redefining the stoppage or standby conditions for equipment with the highest consumption. Similarly, we have installed meters to monitor energy consumption in real time for main prescription laboratories and mass productions units.
In line with our efforts to improve energy efficiency and structure our energy management systems, 20 sites across manufacturing, lens laboratories, distribution centers and offices have obtained the ISO 50001 certification, while 63 sites have obtained the ISO 14001 certification over the years.
To reduce supply chain and logistics emissions we are shifting transportation modes, with ‘alternative-to-air’ solution, and replenishment flows from mass production plants to primary regional and country destinations. The redesign of the Group's supply chain and certain transportation flows not only reduces transportation distances but also allows for a switch from air to ground transportation whenever possible.
In addition, our responsible shipping initiative empowers our customers to choose delivery options which will help reduce the impact on the environment - aligning their shopping experience with their values. Teaming up with our distribution partners, we are working on reducing carbon emissions arising from traditional delivery options.
Beyond our Value Chain
We are investing in initiatives to protect and restore natural ecosystems, as well as promoting the well-being of local communities. In December 2020 we launched a major forest restoration project of 30 hectares in the foothills of the Dolomites (UNESCO World Heritage Site) - situated beside our main production plant in Agordo, Italy. Through this project, we have so far safeguarded 15,000 trees and planted an additional 2,000 new ones to increase the forest’s health and biodiversity.
The Company also invests in carbon credits generated by nature-based or renewable energy initiatives, including for example an afforestation project in China and the installation of solar panels in India.
We are committed to creating a better, more sustainable future for all. With the above, we are proud to be contributing to the below UN Sustainable Development Goals:
- affordable and clean energy
- climate action
