Healthcare
ServiceNow commits to net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030
Updated Jan. 21, 2022
The climate crisis is here. It’s no surprise the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) acknowledged in its 2021 climate report that climate change is already affecting every region on Earth in multiple ways.
We’ve seen it for ourselves. From deadly heat waves to droughts and another season of wildfires, one doesn’t have to look too far. In fact, the 10 warmest years on record have occurred since 2005. If we fail to act urgently, there could be catastrophic global consequences.
ServiceNow has activated an ambitious plan to help protect our environment, and it’s why I’m leading our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) work in earnest. I want to leave a better and thriving planet for my children and future generations.
It’s been said (and I agree) that we’re the first generation to feel the negative impact of climate change, and we’re the last generation able to do anything about it. The world needs our action now.
The future is net zero
When we published our Global Impact Report in 2021, we announced our goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions before 2050 across our entire value chain in accordance with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
Although we’re early in our global impact journey, we know we need to act with a sense of urgency. That’s why we set out to understand where we have the most significant opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint so we can accelerate our impact and create lasting, long-term business practices that are more sustainable.
Through a third-party assessment with Watershed in July 2021, which evaluated the company’s entire corporate carbon footprint, ServiceNow identified that 93% of our carbon footprint comes solely from our value chain (Scope 3) emissions.
Click the image below to see an infographic about our commitment to driving decarbonization.
Accessibility note: The infographic is transcribed at the end of this blog.
In recognition of Climate Week 2021, we announced our commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030—two decades earlier than we had anticipated.
By setting science-based targets focused on internal reduction programs and supplier engagement initiatives, ServiceNow has established a timeline 20 years ahead of the Paris Agreement—and we're pleased to report our targets have been approved by the SBTi.
Real change takes all of us
We know our impact is stronger when efforts are collaborative. That’s why we’ve joined the Business Ambition for 1.5° C global net-zero campaign led by the SBTi in partnership with the UN Global Compact and the We Mean Business coalition—to take ambitious climate action in partnership with UN agencies, businesses, and industry leaders.
We will achieve net-zero GHG emissions across ServiceNow’s entire value chain by 2030 by further committing to:
Reduce Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 70% by 2026 from a 2019 base year. This is aligned with science-based targets promoted by the SBTi and what's deemed necessary to meet the stretch goal of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions from business travel and employee commuting by 40% per unit of value added1 by 2026 from a 2019 base year.
- Persuade 65% of our suppliers by spend, covering purchased goods and services and capital goods, to have science-based targets by 2026.
ServiceNow will embed sustainability initiatives across its datacenter programs, such as supporting datacenter operations teams globally to become Certified Data Center Sustainability Professionals (CDCSP®). Achievement of this certification ensures ServiceNow operators understand the steps required to keep the long-term sustainability of the company’s datacenters.
As we transition to finance carbon removals on our jouney to net zero, ServiceNow will continue to finance high-quality carbon offsets (verified emissions reductions) with a portfolio approach in an initial partnership with Everland. Everland represents the world’s largest portfolio of high-impact forest conservation (REDD+) projects that protect wildlife and enhance the well-being of forest communities, which are essential to addressing climate change and biodiversity crises.
ServiceNow will support the Mai Ndombe REDD+ Project to protect 740,000 acres of critical bonobo and forest elephant habitat within the Congo Basin.
As part of ServiceNow’s ongoing commitment to sustaining our planet, we’ve also pledged to donate $1 million by the end of 2022 to nonprofit organizations focused on addressing climate change and the acceleration of decarbonization globally.
Positive impact is within our grasp
Our aspirations are high, and our plans are big. I’m optimistic about our future because our assessment gave us the data and insights to drive more effective and sustainable change. It’s in our ServiceNow DNA to examine processes and workflows to determine the most efficient and effective paths from A to B.
As we look to becoming the defining enterprise software company of the 21st century, it’s our mission to help “workflow a better world”—one that’s more sustainable, more equitable, and more ethical. I couldn’t be prouder of the work we’re doing.
Learn more about our commitment to making a positive global impact.
Transcript of infographic
Committed to driving decarbonization
We'll workflow a better world by addressing climate change, empowering our employees and communities to create more inclusive opportunities for everyone, and building trust and partnership with our stakeholders. We set the following goals:
- Set science-based targets
- Net zero by 2030
Our footprint in scopes*
With only 7% of our GHG emissions coming from direct operations at our offices and datacenters (scope 1 & 2), 93% of our footprint is from our scope 3 emissions (purchased goods and services, capital goods, business travel, employee commuting, fuel and energy-related activities, and waste).
Our corporate carbon footprint*
Understanding our carbon footprint (total of scope 1, 2 & 3) is the first important step on our journey to net zero and setting ambitious science-based reduction targets.
- Datacenters 31%
- Goods and services 19%
- Offices 18%
- Marketing 12%
- Employees 10%
- Travel 10%
* All data for 2019 baseline year
1 Value added: gross profit = total revenue - cost of revenues
Use of forward-looking statements
This blog contains “forward-looking statements” about the expectations, beliefs, plans, intentions, and strategies relating to ServiceNow’s global impact vision. Such forward-looking statements include statements regarding ServiceNow’s Net Zero GHG goal and other climate change and decarbonization efforts and commitments. Forward‑looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expected or implied by the forward‑looking statements. If any such risks or uncertainties materialize or if any of the assumptions prove incorrect, our results could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by the forward‑looking statements we make. We undertake no obligation, and do not intend, to update the forward‑looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those in any forward-looking statements include, without limitation, changes in global economic and climate conditions; changes in the environmental and climate-related regulatory landscapes; and unexpected delays, difficulties, and expenses in executing against the goals and commitments announced herein. Further information on factors that could affect our financial and other results is included in the filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.
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