Climate action
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions reflects our vision
The world is calling for nations and businesses to work together to address global climate change. Human-induced climate change has wrought observable impacts to people, infrastructure and ecosystems, including increases in global temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, extreme precipitation in some regions and droughts in others. We are committed to doing our part in the global response to the threat of climate change and to advance sustainable development.
The science of climate action
In support of our mission to improve the quality of life and environment, we are part of the global movement to limit the increase of the world’s temperature to 1.5°C by committing to science-based targets. A science-based target is an objective, scientific evaluation of what is needed for global greenhouse gas emissions reduction to limit catastrophic climate change. These targets include cutting carbon emissions from our operations by at least 50 percent by 2030, positioning us to achieve carbon neutrality at the same time. We will also reduce indirect emissions generated through our value chain by 15 percent.
How we'll achieve our targets
- Implement energy-efficient solutions in our operations, optimizing renewable energy generation and purchases, greening our energy contracts and purchasing carbon offsets where necessary.
- Establish a chartered executive sustainability council chaired by our CEO to provide oversight and enhance accountability and alignment on our sustainability strategy.
- Invest more than $3 billion in research and development over the next 10 years targeted at creating sustainable solutions for our customers that reduce our value chain emissions.
- Continue to reduce our operational footprint by accelerating our zero waste-to-landfill initiative and replicating our successful waste reduction approach for our new water target.
Measuring and reporting on progress
Since 2018, we have reduced the total amount of GHG emitted by our operations by 198,487 metric tons CO2e, which is an 18% decrease and places us on track to meet our target. By 2030 we are committed to achieving a science-based target of 50% reduction (from a 2018 baseline) of our Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, in line with a 1.5 degree Celsius climate scenario. Our most recently publicly available data are provided in the table below. Read our Sustainability Report to learn more.
2020 Greenhouse gas emissions
| Scope 1 emissions | 282,952 metric tonnes CO2e from natural gas, other stationary and mobile fuels, fleet, refrigerants, and wastewater treatment in CY 2020 |
| Scope 2 market-based |
617,605 metric tonnes CO2e from purchased electricity in CY 2020 using the market-based approach |
| Scope 3 | 23,827,227 metric tonnes of CO2e from our value chain and product use emissions |
Independent verification of our GHG data
Eaton uses an independent verification body to verify our GHG data. The verification includes a “reasonable” level of assurance for Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the company) and Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from goods or resources with potential GHG emissions, mostly from the purchase of electricity). The Scope 3 verification includes a "limited" level of assurance for emissions of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Our most recent publicly available verification statement is provided here.
Watch the video
Harold Jones, executive vice president, Eaton Business System and Sustainability, describes how we're working toward a healthier planet with our customers.
Related key sustainability topics
