Kuwait City – Zain Group, a leading ICT and digital communications provider across eight markets in the Middle East and Africa, has announced that its ambitious climate targets have officially received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This marks a significant milestone in Zain’s commitment to combating climate change, making it the first Kuwaiti-based corporation to have its emissions reduction targets verified by the SBTi.
The SBTi’s approval follows Zain’s impressive performance in last year’s rankings, where the company earned a carbon emission disclosure CDP score of A- for the third consecutive year. This recognition solidifies Zain’s position as the top-ranked telecom operator in the Middle East and Africa.
The newly approved climate targets reflect Zain’s dedication to reducing its environmental impact. The company’s overarching goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its entire value chain by 2050. Additionally, the SBTi has validated Zain’s updated near-term and long-term targets, which are aligned with the global aim of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Zain’s climate goals include:
- Near-Term Target: Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2020 baseline.
- Long-Term Target: Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2020 baseline.
- Long-Term Target: Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2020 baseline.
Zain’s commitment to sustainability is further emphasized by its comprehensive approach to climate action. In 2022, the company developed a Climate Change Compliance Framework to support its initiatives aimed at reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Zain’s detailed mitigation strategy includes reducing energy consumption, transitioning to renewable energy sources, and exploring carbon dioxide removal solutions as part of its efforts to meet its targets.
Zain’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Jennifer Suleiman, and Chief Technology Officer, Mohammad AlMarshed, emphasized that combating climate change remains a top priority for the company. “This approval from the SBTi validates our commitment and endorses our efforts, positioning Zain as a leader in climate action in the region,” they remarked.
By adopting these science-based targets, Zain sets a proactive example in the region, reaffirming its leadership in corporate sustainability and its dedication to tackling the global climate crisis.
