Tokyo- Olympus Corporation, a global MedTech leader, has received verification from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its ambitious net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target by 2040. The company’s commitment, outlined in its May 2023 Company Strategy, aims to achieve net-zero emissions across the entire supply chain, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, in alignment with the 1.5 degrees Celsius increase limit set by the Paris Agreement.

In addition to the long-term net-zero target, Olympus has set a near-term goal to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by the fiscal year 2031, building a foundation for its broader sustainability objectives. The near-term target signifies a proactive approach to combat climate change and aligns with the urgent need for swift environmental action.

Olympus has consistently prioritized environmental responsibility, integrating “carbon-neutral society and circular economy” into its materiality items in May 2021. The net-zero greenhouse gas emissions target further calls attention to the company’s dedication to addressing climate change and ecosystem deterioration resulting from human activities.

Yasuo Takeuchi, Olympus Director, Representative Executive Officer, and Executive Chairman, said ‘’Olympus has incorporated the concept of ESG into our corporate strategy toward the realization of Our Purpose of “making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling” and is actively developing various initiatives. The results of our efforts to date include a 45.7% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in FY2023 compared to FY2020 and a 71.9% introduction rate of electricity derived from renewable energy. We recognize that this progress acknowledges our efforts towards setting and working to achieve our targets. We will continue to improve manufacturing, promote energy saving and introduce renewable energy at Olympus sites globally while implementing measures to develop environmentally-conscious products, improve logistics efficiency, set voluntary reduction targets in cooperation with suppliers, and support decarbonization initiatives.’’

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Luiz Amaral, Chief Executive Officer of the Science Based Targets initiative, commented ‘’Climate science tells us that we need rapid and deep emissions cuts if we are to achieve global net-zero and prevent the most damaging effects of climate change. Olympus Corporation’s net-zero targets match the urgency of the climate crisis and set a clear example that their peers must follow.’’