Lenovo pledges to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 with Science-Based Targets initiative

Lenovo announced its goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, validated and approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a partnership between the UN Global Compact, CDP and World Wide Fund for Nature – making it the first PC and smartphone maker and one of only 139 companies in the world with a net-zero target validated by SBTi.

The company is taking a scientific, team-based, and accountable approach to decreasing emissions by collaborating with SBTi and adhering to their Net-Zero Standard (the world’s first).

Lenovo Chairman Yuanqing Yang said “As a global technology leader, Lenovo has been committed to reducing its emissions for more than a decade.”

Yang added “In the fight against climate change, we believe collaboration and accountability are the two critical elements needed for collective success. We remain dedicated to following climate science, standardizing our measurements, and seeking ongoing validation for our targets and progress.”  

Aligning goals to the SBTI helps hold companies accountable for their emissions reduction. Without aligning to SBTi, it is difficult to validate or know when a net-zero target is reached. This is because:

1. Standardization: SBTi is the first body to standardize what net-zero means as it relates to the effort to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
2. Adaptation: SBTi’s standard is dynamic and responsive to companies’ collective effort and the changing temperature of the planet.
3. Accountability: While 2050 seems far away for many, many leaders making commitments today may not be in their positions in 27 years. Aligning goals to reduce climate change to an external body provides accountability and continuity.

Luiz Amaral, Chief Executive Officer of the Science Based Targets initiative said “Climate science tells us that we need rapid and deep emissions cuts if we are to achieve global net-zero and prevent the most damaging effects of climate change.”

Amaral added “Lenovo’s net-zero targets match the urgency of the climate crisis and set a clear example that their peers must follow.”

Lenovo’s long-term 2050 goals coincide with its near-term, SBTi-validated 2030 emissions reduction goals, all of which are outlined below:

Overall Net-Zero Target 

Lenovo commits to reaching net-zero GHG emissions across the value chain by FY 2049/2050.

Near-Term Targets

Lenovo has pledged to decrease its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, specifically Scope 1 and 2 emissions, by 50% by FY2029/2030, based on FY2018/2019 levels. It also aims to decrease the GHG emissions produced by the usage of its sold products by 35% for comparable products within the same time frame. Additionally, the company plans to reduce GHG emissions from its purchased goods and services by 66.5% per million US$ gross profit, and GHG emissions from the transportation and distribution of its products by 25% per tonne-km during the same period.

Long-Term Targets

Lenovo commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 90% by FY2049/50 from an FY2018/19 base year.

Lenovo is an early adopter of the science-based emissions reduction approach. After receiving approval for near-term 2030 emissions reduction goals in 2020 and helping to road test the first-of-its-kind Net-Zero Standard.

Carolina Milanesi, Founder of The Heart of Tech, an ESG-focused consultancy said “Success in achieving net zero depends on a transparent, science-based and collaborative framework that will keep organizations accountable for the long run. SBTi has created that framework and will empower companies to expedite emissions reduction,” commented

Reducing the environmental effect of Lenovo’s goods, utilising innovation to improve manufacturing sustainability, and lowering emissions throughout its operations and value chain are some of the company’s main emission reduction strategies. In the company’s Journey to Net-Zero video series, which shows how Lenovo’s specialists are altering business procedures to meet net-zero aims, these solutions are described.

Lenovo’s recording of its emissions will help form a larger pool of data to tackle climate change, aligning with the objective of the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Over 4,000 firms globally are adapting their goals for reducing emissions to the scientifically-based methodology and validation procedures of SBTi.

In addition to its work to reduce emissions, Lenovo has been recognized in Gartner’s Top 25 Global Supply Chain, Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, and as a leader in Climate Change and Water Security by CDP. Read more about Lenovo’s efforts to create a smarter, more sustainable future for all in the company’s FY 2021-22 ESG Report.