Sustainability

Climate Action

Climate change is the single largest threat to our future. Increases in global temperatures have the potential to change our world dramatically. As with all food production, salmon farming comes with GHG-emissions.

As salmon farmers we are deeply affected by more extreme weather and changes in the ocean. We believe we are also a part of the solution as aquaculture must contribute with a larger share of our future food production.

Cermaq will cut its GHG emissions by 35% by 2030, with 2019 as the base year. The goal includes Scope 1,2 and 3 emissions, which means our own operations, the emissions from our feed, and the emissions from transport to market.

Regardless of emission reduction, adapting our operations to climate change is needed to safeguard our future production.

Science Based Target for cut in GHG emission

Our climate goal is based on the Science Based Targets Initiative’s 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 2 degrees Celsius. The goals are verified by certified third parties and only contain measures with real climate impact. Our reporting on progress is presented by Science Based Target initiative SBTi and we also report to Carbon Disclosure Project

Emission reduction in Scope 1 and 2

Scope 1 and 2 constitutes less than 10% of the total emissions in our value chain. We are implementing a suite of initiatives and measures to reduce our GHG emissions. Examples include:

  • Electrification of facilities and workboats.
  • Transition from fossil energy sources towards renewable energy sources/hybrid solutions
  • Energy efficiency to reduce overall energy consumption.
  • Improvement of feed efficiency through use of innovative technology that further reduces the feed conversion ratio.
  • Streamlining production to reduce use of resources
  • Employee energy awareness programs

Emission cuts in scope 3

Feed production and transport to markets account for the majority of Cermaq’s total climate footprint. Cooperation with suppliers and partners is necessary to improve the climate footprint of feed and transport options. This also requires innovation in products processing, as well as transport.

Adapting to climate change

Changes in the ocean and in weather situations require adaptation. Some of the changes we must manage in the future are heat waves in the ocean, more frequent inflow of jelly fish, low oxygen levels in the ocean, new pathogens, and more extreme weather situations.

Paradoxically, many measures for adapting to climate change also increase the energy use.