GSK, Holcim & Kering Are The First to Adopt Nature Targets

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Gucci, owned by Kering, is implementing sustainability strategies including eco-friendly leather
GSK, Holcim & Kering – owner of brands including Gucci, Balenciaga & Yves Saint Laurent – are the first to publicly adopt science-based targets for nature

The WWF says nature provides the world with at least US$125tn of value every year.

In efforts to preserve this value, the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was signed by 196 countries around the world, aiming to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. 

However, nature has historically been difficult to quantify. 

The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) has announced the first set of companies publicly adopting science-based targets for nature: GSK, Holcim and Kering.

The network says this is a “significant milestone” in advancing measurable corporate nature action.

Erin Billman, Executive Director of Science Based Targets Network, says: “With global nature loss accelerating at an unprecedented rate, it’s clear that urgent, decisive action is required from governments and business alike to reverse and halt this trend. 

Erin Billman, Executive Director of Science Based Targets Network

“For companies, this means understanding their material impacts and dependencies on nature and taking ambitious science-based action to address and mitigate those impacts.

“Our corporate pilot has shown that science-based targets for nature are both feasible and valuable, closing a critical gap in corporate sustainability. 

“We’re pleased to see GSK, Kering and Holcim lead the way by publicly adopting the world’s first science-based targets beyond climate; demonstrating that a clear and credible pathway for ambitious action for nature is possible. 

“The time for companies to act is now — responsibly, urgently, and with the ambition that matches the scale of the challenge.”

The foundations of science-based nature targets

In mid-2024, the SBTN concluded a year-long pilot programme with a cohort of companies trialling science-based targets for nature.

The majority of companies who participated received validation for some or all of their targets.

According to the WWF, nature provides the world with at least US$125tn of value each year

As a result of this pilot, the network has demonstrated a credible way for companies to take action for nature

Global biopharma company GSK, building materials company Holcim and luxury group Kering are the first to publicly disclose and adopt their nature targets. 

GSK’s science-based nature targets

Established in 2000, GSK is the world’s 10th largest pharmaceutical company with 2023 revenue of US$39.4bn. 

It has committed to be water neutral in its operations in water-stressed regions by 2030. 

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As part of the SBTN’s pilot, GSK implemented its guidance to validate its approach to freshwater with a focus on its manufacturing site in Nashik, India. 

As a result, the company has set up a freshwater target for its direct operations with an initial focus on the Upper Godavari basin in India. 

Emma Walmsley, CEO at GSK, says: “As a global biopharma leader, we want to play our full part in protecting and restoring the planet’s health, in order to protect and improve people’s health. Improving the environmental sustainability of our business makes us more resilient, so we can deliver the products that patients rely on.”

Emma Walmsley, CEO at GSK

How Holcim will approach science-based nature targets

Holcim is a global building materials company founded in 1912 with 2023 revenue of US$31.1bn. 

Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, the company holds interests in more than 70 countries around the world and produces products including cement, concrete and lime aggregates.

SBTN says Holcim was able to set ambitious targets based on its granular water data for direct operations.

The company aims to reduce freshwater withdrawals in its direct operations, targeting the Moctezuma basin in Mexico. 

Holcim is already engaging with suppliers to collect geolocation data and more traceability for science-based target setting. 

Jan Jenisch, Chairman and CEO at Holcim, says: “With climate at the core of our strategy, Holcim is leading the shift to low-carbon, circular and energy efficient building solutions.”

Jan Jenisch, Chairman and CEO at Holcim

Kering’s approach to science-based nature targets

Kering owns well-known luxury brands including Gucci, Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent. 

Headquartered in Paris, France, it had 2023 revenue of US$21.2bn and around 50,000 employees. 

The company has set its first freshwater quantity target for direct operations including its owned tanneries and factories and upstream suppliers. 

This will have an initial focus on the Arno basin in Tuscany where most of its tanneries and supplier tanneries are located. 

Kering has also set science-based targets to address its impact on land including to reduce its land footprint and engage in landscape initiatives that are materially relevant. 

Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering, says: “Climate and nature are interlinked and it cannot be clearer - especially during COP16 negotiations - that the business community needs to put as much effort into reducing and restoring their impacts on nature as they do on reaching their climate ambitions. 

Marie-Claire Daveu, Chief Sustainability and Institutional Affairs Officer at Kering

“Science-based targets for nature will help enable companies to do their part in reversing nature loss and I hope other companies in our industry and beyond will commit to these targets to advance ambitious and measurable corporate action on nature.”

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