Climate action
Our science-based net-zero targets
We aim to drive sustainable growth for dentsu, our clients, and society. For this growth to be truly sustainable, we must accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Dentsu has therefore committed to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across the value chain by 2040.
To achieve net zero by 2040, we will prioritize emissions reduction activities before neutralizing the remaining emissions (<10%) through credible and verifiable GHG removal projects.
Our near- and long-term science-based GHG emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) as conforming with the SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard.
Our science-based net-zero targets for climate:
| Scope 1 & 2 | Scope 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Near-term （2030） |
Reduce absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline* | Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, business travel, and employee commuting by 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline* |
| Long-term （2040） |
Reduce absolute Scope 1 & 2 GHG emissions by 90% by 2040 from a 2019 baseline* | Reduce absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2040 from a 2019 baseline* |
* The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.
To ensure compliance with international best practice, we align our internal measurement and reporting processes with the guidelines set forth by the World Resources Institute (WRI) by using the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised version).
For our baseline year of 2019, Scope 3 emissions amount to approximately 94% of our total GHG emissions.
Our near-term Scope 3 GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 focuses on our top three emission categories. This scope surpasses the SBTi requirement of two thirds of total Scope 3 emissions.
For more information on our latest performance and a list of emissions factors, please see our Independent Assurance Report.
Achieving 100% renewable energy by 2030
As part of ambition towards climate action, dentsu is committed to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Renewable energy in the context of dentsu’s sustainability strategy and commitments refers to electricity generated from renewable sources. This definition for renewable energy has been aligned with RE100, the global corporate renewable energy initiative of which dentsu is a member.
In 2023, we increased our global renewable energy ratio to 55.3%, up from 35.6% in the previous year, thanks to initiatives such as switching to sourcing 100% renewable energy for the Dentsu Building in Shiodome, Tokyo.
Renewable energy rate (consolidated)
Note: Renewable energy percentages are calculated in line with RE100 criteria. For data on the renewable energy ratio based on the amount of renewable energy sources, please refer to the ESG Data Book.
Renewable energy data is outside the scope of independent assurance.
Since April 2024, dentsu has been an Associate Member of the Japan Climate Leaders’ Partnership (JCLP), a group of Japanese companies that aim to lead the transition to a decarbonized society. JCLP is the local partner of The Climate Group and acts as the contact point for promotion in Japan of RE100 and other climate-related initiatives.
Promoting sustainable consumption
In working to realize the transition to a low-carbon society, our greatest opportunity is our ability to help shape consumer attitudes and behaviors. Accordingly, as part of our 2030 Sustainability Strategy, we have set a goal to enable one billion people to make more sustainable choices by 2030.
We will advance businesses that contribute towards these goals, including through business transformation and marketing support for clients.
For more information on our industry engagement and other initiatives, please see our Integrated Report.
