Climate protection
The Climate and Innovation Act (CIA) was adopted in the referendum of 18 June 2023. It and the associated ordinance came into force on 1 January 2025. The CIS stipulates that companies must achieve the net-zero target by 2050 at the latest. The European Green Deal requires the same at European level, which makes sustainability highly relevant for access to the EU internal market. In addition, internationally active customers, investors, and financial institutions are increasingly demanding transparency regarding climate protection.
Companies must reduce emissions generated by all sources in the medium to long term. This means they must not only reduce emissions within their own company (Scope 1) as well as purchased energy sources such as electricity, heating, or cooling (Scope 2), but also extends to CO₂ emissions generated by suppliers or by customers who consume their products (Scope 3). Large companies in particular are setting themselves net-zero targets across the entire value chain. This situation also affects suppliers in the medtech sector. The sooner they act, the greater their chances of remaining part of the supply chain.
1. Create a CO₂ footprint
Start with a carbon footprint according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. You can use tools for this or seek support from a consultancy firm. Your company’s carbon footprint results from an overview of all your company’s direct and indirect emissions and the calculation of greenhouse gases in the supply chain. This analysis reveals the most important fields of action for your company on the path to decarbonization.
2. Set a climate target
Many larger companies set themselves a science-based climate target in accordance with the Science Based Targets Initiative. But there are also other ways. Based on your carbon footprint, it is important that your company defines a clear path to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with ambitious interim targets that lead to a net-zero target.
3. Develop a climate strategy and action plan
Based on the emissions forecast, you now need to draw up a strategy with specific implementation measures to achieve the climate target. Examine various measures and prioritise them according to their reduction potential, costs, opportunities, and risks.
4. Implement the plan
The decarbonization phase begins now. Regularly assess the success of your measures. Check whether the defined reduction path is being followed or whether you need to adjust the measures. In this phase, it is also important to align the business model and strategy with the net-zero target.
5. Report the results
It is becoming increasingly important to report on your commitment to tackling climate change. In addition to legislators, growing numbers of customers and investors are demanding data and facts from their suppliers. Find out more and ask your stakeholders what reporting requirements they expect.
