Oxfordshire’s Owen Mumford targets net zero by 2045 with independent approval

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved the near-team emissions reduction targets of medical manufacturer Owen Mumford.

The Oxfordshire firm has committed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the value chain by 2045.

It’s also pledged to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions 42 per cent by 2030, starting from the 2022 financial year.

Scope 1 encompasses direct GHG emissions from sources either owned or controlled by an organisation.

Scope 2 includes indirect GHG emissions from the generation of electricity, heat, or steam purchased and consumed by an organisation.

Scope 3 stretches to all other indirect GHG emissions throughout the value chain, including the transportation of goods, extraction and production of purchased goods and materials. Downstream, this also accounts for the use and disposal of products sold by an organisation.

Achieving net zero emissions by 2045 will put Owen Mumford five years ahead of the UK government’s 2050 target.

As a manufacturer and distributor of mostly single-use medical devices, the company has taken a holistic approach to sustainability.

This has entailed evaluation of operations and processes across its entire network, including the introduction of a bespoke lifecycle assessment technology platform to measure the impact of its devices’ lifecycle and identify improvements.

Its emissions goals have now been validated by the SBTi, a collaboration established to support companies with their sustainability targets using a global framework.

Paul Smith is group quality and regulatory affairs director at Owen Mumford, and the executive responsible for sustainability.

“Receiving this independent verification from the SBTi represents our steadfast dedication to sustainability and our ongoing efforts to minimise our environmental footprint by aligning our actions with the latest climate science”, he said.

“By establishing and working towards scientifically measured emissions reduction targets, we not only contribute to global initiatives combating climate change, but also uphold our commitment to our customers and the rigorous standards we set for ourselves.”