LAUSANNE, Switzerland–(BUSINESS WIRE/AETOSWire)– Philip Morris International Inc. (PMI) (NYSE: PM) was recognized today among the top global companies leading on climate action. Environmental nonprofit CDP, formerly Carbon Disclosure Project, has placed PMI on its ‘A List’ for climate change for the sixth year in a row, recognizing the company’s work to reduce its energy use and carbon emissions and to follow a transparent disclosure process. At the end of 2019, PMI was also recognized for its leadership role in addressing the climate crisis by the “50 Sustainability and Climate Leaders” initiative.
“We are proud to be once again on CDP’s prestigious A List,” said PMI Chief Executive Officer André Calantzopoulos. “We are not just transforming our products to deliver better alternatives to millions of adult smokers across the world, we also are making sustainability an integral part of our business strategy, including our focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
PMI has committed to making its manufacturing climate neutral by 2030. As an important first milestone on this journey, PMI announced in October that its Lithuanian operation was certified carbon neutral after 10 years of work to optimize the factory’s energy usage, including switching to renewable energies. PMI’s wider commitment to reduce its carbon footprint is aligned with the objective to limit global warming to under 1.5°C, with carbon neutrality targeted by 2050.
“For many years, PMI has been taking actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our operations and across our value chain, where 85 percent of the emissions occur. Being placed on CDP’s A List for climate change validates the progress we are making in our commitment to sustainability and environmental transparency,” said Huub Savelkouls, PMI’s Chief Sustainability Officer. “The private sector has a pivotal role to play, but to prevent a climate crisis all companies must act. We are ready to share our expertise and work together to maximize our collective impact.”
Paul Simpson, CEO of CDP, said: “Congratulations to the companies that achieved a position on CDP’s A List this year, for leading in environmental performance and transparency. The scale of the business risks from the climate emergency, deforestation and water insecurity are vast—as are the opportunities from addressing them—and it’s clear the private sector has a vital role to play at this critical time. The A List companies are leading the market in corporate sustainability, tackling environmental risks and setting themselves up to thrive in tomorrow’s economy.”
