Matthias Medert is Global Head of Sustainability at SAP. In the interview, he deals with important aspects of long -term resilience plans and illuminates the challenges in this process. He also reports on a new partnership that will help the SAP to reduce the entire greenhouse gas emissions (THG) to zero by 2030.
How does the SAP take sustainability into account in its general corporate strategy?
Sustainability is a central element of the corporate strategy and firmly rooted in our vision to improve the processes of global economy and the lives of people. It is not a separate initiative, but an integral part of our leadership goals and long-term corporate goals. Sustainability is therefore a catalyst and value driver for the company.
SAP commits to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. What does this mean in practice?
We are aware that with a customer base that generates 84 percent of the total global trade, the responsibility and the chance of taking on a pioneering role in climate protection measures. It is not just about reporting numbers, but it is a science -based transformation that is embedded in our processes, cooperation with suppliers, technology and what we offer our customers.
For us, this means that we design our strategy in accordance with the 1.5 ° C goal of the Paris Agreement. We work to reduce gross greenhouse gas emissions in our entire value chain (market-based) by 90 percent. The remaining emissions – at most 10 percent – are made by high -quality, verified projects for the CO2-withdrawal neutralized. Our reduction efforts have contributed to the fact that the SAP has been included in the EU-oriented benchmarks of the EU, which gives climate-conscious investors confidence in our approach.
What does the SAP decarbonization strategy extend to?
Our transformation includes four connected columns:
With the Cloud transformation We accelerate the switch from on-premise to cloud solutions, whereby the data centers managed by SAP are already operating 100 percent with electricity from renewable energies. At the same time, we work with hyperscalers and our customers to advance the introduction of renewable energies in upstream and downstream processes. An important part of this change is the improvement of emission accounting and the switching of estimates to the primary data of our suppliers.
We get them upstream supply chain With a, revise the procurement guidelines and work closely with our suppliers to reduce emissions throughout the supply chain. This means that we agree on data transparency and decarbonization goals. The advance of energy -intensive technologies such as AI brings new challenges, but we encounter you through joint obligations and shared responsibility.
Internal there are several initiatives. Since 2014, SAP has operated all branches, data centers and data centers operated by our external partners 100 percent with electricity from renewable energies. In addition, we electrify our fleet and have an internal CO2-Price scheme for business flights set up. The generated funds are invested in projects that have a positive effect on the local and global population as well as the climate and biological diversity.
In order to neutralize the remaining emissions of the SAP, which will remain despite all the reduction efforts after 2030 In a high quality co2-Mearingfrom natural -based to newly developed solutions. Examples of this are our long-term investments in the Livelihood Carbon Funds and the Direct Air capture solutions from Climeworks. For the SAP, the partnership with Climeworks is an important milestone that is our commitment to the permanent removal of CO2 underlined. In addition, we make contributions to climate finance every year. The voluntary investments that we make on our way to Netto-Null show that we perceive our overall responsibility beyond our own decarbonization efforts and support the world to achieve their climate goals.
We have concluded an agreement with Climeworks to acquire high -quality emission credits in the amount of 37,000 tons by 20342 to ensure. This includes technologies such as Direct Air Capture (filtering CO2 from the air), biochar and “increased weathering”. This is more than just the acquisition of CO2 -Miscops, it is a strategic innovation partnership.
Together we develop ERP-centered applications for the CO2-Management that are integrated into solutions such as SAP Sustainability Control Tower and provide them via the SAP store. These applications will help companies manage and avoid emissions in real time as well as methods for the CO2-to implement removal on a large scale.
Does Climeworks also introduce SAP solutions?
Yes, that’s exactly what makes this partnership so convincing. Climeworks has implemented SAP S/4HANA Public Cloud through the Grow With SAP program and uses the SAP Leanix portfolio to support its quick corporate growth. These tools support in compliance with regulations, financial management and operational efficiency – all decisive elements for growth in the field of climate technology.
To what extent does this alliance benefit the company and the SAP customers?
It is a strategic step that strengthens our economic and ecological position. As Sophia Mendelsohn, Chief Sustainability & Commercial Officer of the SAP, recently explained, thanks to this partnership we can capacity capacities to withdraw CO2-Missions at preferred prices and are thus protected against future price fluctuations. However, it is even more important that we can develop new solutions geared towards sustainability for our customers that help you meet regulatory requirements and meet the requirements of the stakeholders.
While the SAP drives its decarbonization strategy, where do you see the greatest chances of taking positive influence, both within the SAP and on the general partner network?
While the SAP continues its decarbonization strategy, the greatest opportunities for positive influence are to use our technology and our partner network in order to advance systemic changes – both internally and across sectors.
Sustainability using our own solutions directly into central business processes such as procurement, supply chain and finance – this is our greatest chance. This not only reduces the THG footprint of our company, we are also a role model for our customers. Our sustainability solutions should enable companies to measure, manage and implement their sustainability goals. By doing this, we increase our influence.
We are guided by the Net-Zero Standard of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) and see opportunities to be able to set a good example beyond 2030-by continuously improving our Net-Zero program and sharing best practice.
Ultimately, we not only prepare for the way to a net zero future, but we design them. Through cooperation, transparency and the use of technology, we show that climate protection is the key to long -term success.
Karen Restrepo Avila is Sustainability and Net-Zero Communications Lead at SAP.
