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Cogna commits to reducing more than 50% of its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
07th December, 2023Cogna Educação, a leading company with the most diverse portfolio in the education sector, assumed voluntary targets based on the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTI) to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, demonstrating the company’s concern with climate issues and commitment to environmental sustainability. This goal was outlined as part of the Cogna Commitments for a Better World, a manifesto that reflects the company’s maturity in relation to climate issues.
The Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) presents worrying climate projections for the future, indicating that adverse climate impacts are already more widespread and extreme than predicted. The report points out that there is more than a 50% chance of global temperatures reaching or exceeding 1.5°C between 2021 and 2040, and that in a carbon-intensive scenario, global temperatures could increase between 3.3°C and 5°C. .7°C by 2100.
Brazil is especially vulnerable to global warming, due to its great biodiversity and an economy heavily based on natural resources, with significant impacts on its ecosystems. Climate projections for the country indicate an increase in the average monthly temperature in the coming decades, with regional variations. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to limit global warming and its negative impacts.
In this scenario in which climate change represents a global challenge, Cogna Education has established goals to reduce its GHG emissions by 2032, anchored in the base year of 2022. The company seeks to reduce 50.4% in each of scopes 1, 2 and 3, aligning with the goals of reducing gas emissions greenhouse gases necessary to limit warming to 1.5°C or well below 2°C.
The implementation of targets based on the SBTI is crucial due to their scientific nature and alignment with the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. These goals enable comparisons between companies, promoting transparency and preventing the topic from being trivialized. The SBTI protocol establishes specific requirements and a time horizon of five to ten years, with the 10-year target being common among companies. This reflects the urgency of halving CO2 emissions by 2030 to achieve environmental goals, including emissions neutrality by 2050, demonstrating a long-term commitment to sustainability.
Faced with this scenario, Cogna not only recognizes the challenges posed by climate change, but is acting proactively to mitigate its impacts, encouraging other companies and institutions to adopt sustainable practices and contribute to a future better for future generations. The Company has adopted several strategies to achieve its goals for reducing greenhouse gases in line with scientific methodologies that seek to reduce emissions, towards a transition to a low-carbon economy.
“Taking greenhouse gas reduction targets is not just a choice, but a responsibility. As Sustainability Manager at Cogna, I am proud to lead our initiative toward more sustainable practices. These Goals are not just numbers, they are tangible commitments that will shape our low-carbon transition, integrating sustainability into every aspect of our strategy” – Marina Pequeneza de Moraes – Sustainability and Social Impact Manager at Cogna
“We recognize the global urgency to address climate change and, by incorporating these goals into our strategy, we are solidifying the path to more conscious education, in tune with the seriousness of the greatest challenge of our century : the climate crisis.” Juliano Griebeler – Partner and Director of Institutional Relations and Sustainability at Cogna
To learn more about the Company’s advances regarding Climate, click here .