Oslo, Norway-headquartered salmon producer Cermaq has pledged to make a 35 percent cut in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 by utilizing more electric boats and facilities, renewable energy, and climate-friendly transportation and feed – among other measures that will make it one of five aquaculture companies that use science-based climate targeting.
“Farmed salmon is a climate-friendly food source and with our new measures, we will make Cermaq salmon even more sustainable. Our promise, ‘Seafood for a healthy future,’ provides reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less environmental impact and a positive contribution to societies in which we operate,” Cermaq CEO Geir Molvik said.
According to Molvik, sustainable farming has always been important for Cermaq and is crucial for meeting the expectations of society and customers.
“However, it is also a precondition for the future development of the aquaculture industry. We have a great responsibility to contribute to a healthy ocean,” he said.
Within the science-based target framework, climate goals and measures are based on the latest climate science and what is required to remain below the Paris Agreement aim of keeping global warming below two degrees Celsius. The goals are verified by certified third-parties and only contain measures with real climate impact.
Molvik said Cermaq will contribute to mitigating the drivers of climate change with changes in its operations, but also set goals and measures for the entire value chain, from feed production to transport to customers. In some areas, the company will cut emissions from a low base, he said.
“We are also calculating our commitments to the climate target with the intention to grow, making the target even more ambitious,” Molvik said.
Feed production and transport to markets account for the majority of the company's total climate footprint.
“Cooperating with suppliers and partners is necessary to improve the climate footprint of feed and transport options. This also requires innovation from our side in products and processing. That’s why we engage in international partnerships to improve climate work in aquaculture both globally and locally,” Molvik said. “A simple but important measure will be to reduce diesel use at facilities and move towards electrical and hybrid solutions. At the same time, energy-efficiency measures will make solid contributions to our operations in Canada, Chile, and Norway.”
Photo courtesy of Cermaq
