Zones' GHG Emissions Targets Validated by SBTi

As companies across industries race to establish credible climate commitments that require measurable, science-backed actions, Zones has reached a significant milestone in its environmental leadership journey. Zones’ greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets have been officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), positioning us among an elite group of companies worldwide taking rigorous, science-based action on climate change.

This validation represents far more than a corporate achievement—it's a testament to Zones' commitment to aligning its business strategy with the urgent need to limit global warming to 1.5°C, the critical threshold identified by climate scientists as necessary to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

Understanding Science Behind the Validation

The SBTi validation process is rigorous, requiring companies to undergo an independent review by climate scientists and sustainability experts. For Zones, this means its climate commitments have been thoroughly vetted by an organization that partners with CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute, and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

Why SBTi Validation Matters

• Global Impact: Over 5,000 companies worldwide have committed to science-based targets
• Industry Coverage: Companies across 70+ industries participate in SBTi validation
• Economic Scale: SBTi-committed companies represent over $38 trillion in market capitalization
• Climate Alignment: All targets align with limiting global warming to 1.5°C

Fast Fact: Only companies with targets validated by SBTi can claim their climate commitments are "science based."

What Makes SBTi Validation Special

• Independent verification by climate science experts
• A sectoral approach aligned with technology industry decarbonization pathways
• Value chain coverage, including both direct operations and supply chain emissions
• Time-bound commitments with clear deadlines and interim milestones
• Public accountability through transparent reporting and progress tracking

Zones Demonstrating Technology Sector's Climate Challenge

The technology industry plays a unique dual role in climate change, contributing to the problem while also providing essential solutions. The ICT sector currently accounts for approximately 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with projections suggesting this could reach 8% by 2030 if current trends continue. Data centers alone consume roughly 1% of global electricity, highlighting the sector's significant environmental footprint.

However, technology companies like Zones also have unprecedented opportunities to drive positive change. Through sustainable logistics, circular economy solutions, and helping clients reduce their own environmental impact, the technology sector can be a powerful force for decarbonization across the global economy.

Zones' comprehensive approach to emissions reduction demonstrates that even complex, globally distributed technology businesses can establish and validate science-based climate targets. Operating in over 150 countries with a robust portfolio spanning Cloud & Data Center, Digital Workplace, Networking, and Security solutions, Zones has the scale and influence to drive meaningful change both within its own operations and throughout its extensive partner ecosystem.

Breaking Down Zones' Ambitious Targets

Zones' validated commitments demonstrate our comprehensive approach to climate action across its entire value chain:

These targets are scientifically rigorous and aligned with what climate experts say is necessary to prevent catastrophic global warming. The validation demonstrates that our emissions reduction commitments are grounded in the latest climate science, making this achievement particularly meaningful.

Zones' near-term targets are particularly noteworthy for their scope and ambition. The 57.3% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 covers direct emissions from facilities, operations, and purchased electricity—areas where Zones has direct control and can implement immediate changes. This target exceeds the average 30-40% reductions typically seen among technology companies, demonstrating Zones' commitment to climate leadership.

Even more challenging is the 46.2% reduction in scope 3 emissions within the same timeframe. These indirect emissions from the supply chain, business travel, and product lifecycle typically represent 70-90% of technology companies' total carbon footprint. Achieving this target will require complex collaboration with suppliers, partners, and customers throughout the value chain.

The long-term vision is equally ambitious. By 2050, Zones has committed to reducing both scope 1 and 2 emissions and scope 3 emissions by 90% from the 2019 baseline, with the remaining 10% addressed through high-quality carbon removals to achieve net-zero emissions across the entire value chain.

SBTi’s Target Dashboard

Source: Science Based Targets

Strategic Business Impact and Competitive Advantage

Zones' SBTi validation provides concrete evidence of environmental leadership that resonates with clients setting their ambitious sustainability targets. This validation enhances our ability to support clients' sustainability goals while delivering innovative technology solutions.

The competitive advantage extends beyond client relationships to talent attraction and retention, investor relations, and regulatory compliance. As environmental regulations become more stringent and stakeholder expectations continue to rise, Zones will be better positioned to navigate these evolving requirements.

Market positioning benefits include:

• Industry leadership: Joining fewer than 200 technology companies globally with validated SBTi targets
• Client alignment: Supporting enterprise customers' own sustainability goals
• Global differentiation: Leveraging sustainability as a competitive advantage across 150+ countries
• Future-proofing: Preparing for carbon pricing and climate regulations

From Validation to Implementation: The Path Forward

The validation of Zones' targets represents the beginning of an intensive implementation phase that will transform the Zones’ operations.

Zones’ approach to integrating sustainability into core business operations reflects a growing understanding that environmental responsibility and business success are not competing priorities but complementary objectives. By establishing clear, measurable targets validated by an independent scientific organization, Zones has created a framework for innovation and efficiency improvements that can drive both environmental and business value.

Driving Industry-Wide Change

This comprehensive approach to climate action positions Zones to help clients achieve their own sustainability goals while delivering the innovative technology solutions they need. Zones’ partnerships with industry leaders like Microsoft, Apple, Cisco, Lenovo, and Adobe create opportunities to influence sustainability practices across the broader technology supply chain, amplifying Zones' impact beyond its direct operations.

Accountability and Transparency

The next step involves robust measurement, reporting, and accountability mechanisms. Zones has committed to comprehensive annual reporting covering emissions inventory across all scopes, progress against science-based targets, innovation initiatives, results, and stakeholder engagement outcomes.

Key performance indicators will include energy efficiency metrics, carbon intensity measurements, renewable energy percentages, and supply chain engagement levels. We will also track the percentage of suppliers with their own science-based targets, creating a cascading effect throughout the value chain.

Leading the Technology Industry's Sustainable Future

Zones' SBTi validation represents more than a corporate milestone; it signals the technology industry's potential to lead the transition to a sustainable economy. By aligning its climate strategy with the most rigorous scientific standards, Zones has positioned itself to drive innovation, create value for stakeholders, and contribute meaningfully to global climate goals.

This achievement reflects the dedication of Zones' Quality & Environment team, leadership support across all business units, and the contribution of every employee to the company's sustainability journey. It demonstrates that meaningful climate action requires organization-wide commitment and systematic execution rather than isolated initiatives.

As we move forward with implementing the validated targets, we join an elite group of organizations worldwide taking serious, science-based action on climate change. This achievement sets the stage for continued leadership in environmental responsibility while delivering the exceptional technology solutions that clients expect.

Ready to learn more about Zones' commitment to sustainability and our science-based climate targets?

Visit our sustainability page to explore our comprehensive approach to climate action and see how we're building a more sustainable future together.

To discover how our SBTi-validated environmental leadership can support your organization's sustainability goals while delivering cutting-edge technology solutions, contact us now.