Softcat hails "meaningful" milestone on net zero journey

Reseller's short- and long-term net zero goals approved by the Science Based Targets initiative

Softcat has passed a "very meaningful" milestone on its net zero journey as two of its targets were approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), CEO Graeme Watt has said.

Having set a 2040 carbon net zero supply chain goal last May, the reseller heavyweight has had its targets of slashing its scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 45 per cent by 2030 and by 90 per cent by 2040 green-lighted by SBTi.

SBTi is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050, Softcat explained.

According to the Marlow-based reseller, Softcat is one of only 35 companies in the world - and just six in the UK - to have had their net-zero targets approved by the global body, which is seen as by many as a gold standard of environmental target setting and measurement.

Talking recently to CRN, Softcat operations director Alastair Wynn stressed that SBTi had become "tougher and more robust" in the wake of COP26, forcing Softcat to seek approval for both short- and long-term targets. Having Softcat's targets ratified by science was "important to keep us honest", he explained, adding that he hoped to receive approval some time in 2022.

Although Softcat itself has characterised hitting net zero supply chain by 2040 as a "monumental challenge", there is hope in some quarters that a "flywheel effect" will take hold across the industry and help businesses like Softcat achieve their aims even sooner.

Softcat CEO Graeme Watt described the SBTi milestone as "very meaningful but just the start".

"It is fantastic that we have had our targets approved officially now as this keeps us laser-focused and motivated to drive change not only in our own organisation, but also work with our partners, supply chain, and customers on their social responsibility journey through the technology we provide," he said.