ATLANTA—Interface, a worldwide commercial flooring company and global leader in sustainability, received a third-party validation of its 2030 greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets as science-based. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) confirmed that Interface set emission reduction targets that are in line with the level of decarbonization required to keep global temperature increase to 1.5-degrees compared to preindustrial temperatures.
The now validated science-based reduction targets (SBT) from Interface commit the company to reduce its Scopes 1 and 2 emissions 50% on an absolute basis by 2030 from a 2019 base year. It also outlines the company’s commitment to reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services 50% and reduce business travel and employee commuting emissions 30% within the same timeframe.
According to the company, Interface endeavors to become a carbon negative enterprise by 2040 as part of its Climate Take Back mission. This goal uses a science-based approach by committing to aggressive GHG reductions that go beyond zero in a 20-year timeframe. The 2030 SBT represents an important halfway milestone on the company’s journey.
“Interface is committed to addressing global warming by setting ambitious GHG reduction goals that will help keep the planet at a safe global temperature,” said Erin Meezan, vice president and chief sustainability officer at Interface. “Setting aggressive targets is part of our DNA at Interface and why we have been so successful at integrating sustainability into our business for more than 25 years.”
According to Interface, it is one of few building product manufacturers and the only global flooring company to set a science-based reduction target. “To address global warming meaningfully in the building and construction sector, which is responsible for 40% of annual GHG emissions, we must collectively act quickly to halve emissions by 2030,” Meezan said. “It’s critical that climate action ambition is elevated within our sector and approval from SBTi is an important step in validating that company targets are aligned with what the latest climate science has told us is needed to prevent the most damaging effects of climate change.”
The company said it continues to help its customers achieve their own carbon reduction goals with the launch and continued scaling of its carbon negative carpet tile. This innovation helps customers reduce their Scope 3 emissions with carbon negative alternatives.