Salmon producer Cermaq to cut 35 per cent of emissions

Cermaq will cut 35 percent (in absolute figures) of its total greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. More electric boats and facilities, renewable energy, climate-friendly transport and feed will be important measures, making Cermaq one of five aquaculture companies that use science-based climate targeting (SBT).

-Farmed salmon is a climate-friendly food source and with our new measures, we will make Cermaq salmon even more sustainable. Our promise, "Seafood for a healthy future» provides reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less environmental impact and a positive contribution to societies in which we operate, says Geir Molvik, CEO of Cermaq

He states that sustainable farming has always been important for Cermaq and is crucial for meeting the expectations of society and customers.

-However, it is also a precondition for the future development of the aquaculture industry. We have a great responsibility to contribute to a healthy ocean, he says.

Committed to reach targets

Cermaq's climate target is based on the Science Based Target Initiative’s framework. Climate goals and measures are based on the latest climate science and what is required to remain below the Paris Agreement aim of keeping global warming below 2 degrees Celsius. The goals are verified by certified third parties and only contain measures with real climate impact. Thus, Cermaq becomes one of five aquaculture companies globally that set the most binding climate goals for their business.

Cermaq's ambition is to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 with 2019 as a base year.

-The expectations are increased when it comes to mitigating the drivers of climate change. We contribute with changes in our operations, but also set goals and measures for the entire value chain from feed production to transport to customers. Saying that, in some areas we cut emissions from a low base. We are also calculating our commitments to the climate target with the intention to grow, making the target even more ambitious, says Molvik.

Feed and transport key areas of improvement

Feed production and transport to markets account for the majority of the company's total climate footprint.

-Cooperating with suppliers and partners is necessary to improve the climate footprint of feed and transport options. This also requires innovation from our side in products and processing. That’s why we engage in international partnerships to improve climate work in aquaculture both globally and locally, says Molvik

Cermaq has made plans for major changes to electrification, access to raw materials and transport.

-A simple, but important measure will be to reduce diesel use at facilities and move towards electrical and hybrid solutions. At the same time, energy efficiency measures will make solid contributions to our operations in Canada, Chile and Norway, says Molvik.

FACTS about Cermaq’s sustainability work

The most important measures to reduce climate emissions

•Electrification of facilities and workboats.

•Transition from fossil energy sources towards renewable energy sources/hybrid solutions

•Energy efficiency to reduce overall energy consumption

•Set climate requirements for feed

•Improve feed efficiency through use of new technology development that further reduces the feed conversion ratio

•Internal RD projects to reduce emissions

•Streamline production for using less resources

•Optimize means of transport to markets – trains, trucks with hybrid energy solutions and lower greenhouse gas emissions

Science-Based Initiative Target background:

Cermaq’s target is set according to the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi). The objectives are defined and calculated based on the latest climate science and are reviewed externally. These only include real reductions- not compensation for emissions (offsets). Cermaq submits targets for certification that are now being reviewed before they appear on the SBTI website. Cermaq then commits to reporting on the development of emissions in relation to its planned emissions reduction trajectory towards 2030.

Cermaq's global climate cooperation and commitments

Cermaq's commitment to climate action has several activities, where we work both to strengthen our own business and in industry partnerships. In these, we aim for improvement and actively seek dialogue across science, politics, and civil society for maximum effect.

Aquaculture GHG reporting framework with Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF):

Through the Global Salmon Initiative, which represents 40% of all salmon producing companies globally, Cermaq is developing a GHG reporting framework for the aquaculture salmon sector together with the World Wildlife Fund. Our intention is to provide a consistent framework for reporting across the sector, as well as make it possible to compare seafood more accurately with land-based proteins.

Global Seafood Guide on how to set Science Based Targets (SBTs):

Cermaq leads the Seafood Work Track of the Ocean Action Platform in the UNITED Nations Global Compact, the world's largest corporate initiative, and is currently developing a seafood guide on how to set science-based goals to meet the Paris agreement goals. The guide is for seafood companies around the world to encourage more seafood companies to set climate targets (Guide to be launched on or before the UN Climate Change Conference in COP26 2021).

Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS):

Cermaq is one of the founders of the Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS) science industry initiative which consists of 10 of the largest seafood companies globally. Cermaq works with members to share best practices to influence the seafood industry's impact and works to encourage more seafood companies to set science-based goals.

Cermaq is co-chair of the Blue Road to COP26 working group in the UN Global Compact, bringing the fisheries and aquaculture sector, decision-makers, science and civil society together to identify how seafood can help achieve the Paris Agreement's goals.

Cermaq has been in the working group of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) high-level climate champions, and last month launched a vision for the ocean to deliver on a1.5°C rugged world in 2050, available here.

An active member of the Advisory Network of the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, Cermaq works with policymakers to develop and enforce sanctuary policy frameworks for marine spatial planning, fisheries and aquaculture globally.