Sopra Steria is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions in line with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard
Introduction
Sopra Steria are proud to be considered as early adopters of climate change standards since 2017 where we aligned our science-based targets well below 2oC which were validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Later in 2019 these targets were updated to be 1.5oC aligned.
In 2020, we adopted the UN Climate Neutral Now definition of Net Zero as “the state where a balance between anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals is achieved”, by taking the following actions:
- Measure 100% of the organisation’s GHG emissions,
- Reduce GHG emissions as far as possible; and
- Offset remaining emissions through projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere in the long term.
A Net Zero target date of 2028 was set under the UN Climate Neutral NOW programme.
In 2022, Sopra Steria committed to the SBTi Net-Zero Standard (hereafter referred to as ‘The Standard’) which has become the globally-accepted best practice standard for organisations setting Net Zero targets. The definition of Net Zero under The Standard will require Sopra Steria to strive towards achieving a 90% reduction in absolute emissions from a baseline measurement by no later than 2050. Consequently, Sopra Steria have proposed a revised Net Zero target achievement date of 2040. The SBTi have indicated that revised targets aligned with criteria set under The Standard, submitted by Sopra Steria Group in November 2022, will be validated around July 2023. As stipulated by SBTi, the baseline period can be no longer than 3 years prior to commitments. Therefore, we will change the baseline year from 2015 to 2019 upon validation by the SBTi in 2023.
The Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan (CRP) lays out Sopra Steria’s approach and annual progress towards its objective of achieving Net Zero emissions.
Baseline and Current Emissions Footprint
In 2024, our total absolute Scope 1 and 2 (market-based emissions) decreased by 55.2%; and total Scope 3 emissions decreased by 23.2% compared with the baseline year of 2019. This has resulted in a total GHG emissions (i.e. Scope 1 + 2 on a market basis +3) reduction of 23.8% in 2024 versus 2019.
Sopra Steria began to measure its total value chain emissions, in 2021, to begin a credible transition towards net zero which involves the calculation of Scope 1, 2 and all relevant Scope 3 emissions.
This includes emissions associated with purchased goods and services (Scope 3 Category 1) which accounted for 88% of Sopra Steria’s total carbon footprint in 2024.
The PDF version of Sopra Steria’s Net Zero CRP provides a full breakdown of its emissions.
Emissions Reduction Targets
Sopra Steria will transition towards net zero emissions by the end of 2040 using a phased approach, ensuring that we commit to a steady decline in emissions using science-based targets to deliver positive outcomes through our climate action. Thereby, enabling Sopra Steria to support the Paris Agreement goals.
Near-Term Targets
- Sopra Steria commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 54% by the end of 2030 from a 2019 baseline year.
- Sopra Steria also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 37.5% by the end of 2030 from a 2019 baseline year.
Long-Term Targets
- Sopra Steria commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 90% by the end of 2040 from a 2019 baseline year.
- Sopra Steria also commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 90% by the end of 2040 from a 2019 baseline year.
The Sopra Steria Group was one of the companies that road-tested the SBTi Net Zero Standard prior to its publication in late 2021.
Carbon Reduction Projects
Renewable Electricity
All electricity Sopra Steria consumes via supply contracts directly arranged by Sopra Steria with electricity suppliers, is backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) certificates.
Energy Efficiency
Sopra Steria has continued to address energy efficiency, leading to a year-on-year reduction in our energy intensity (per full time employee) of 0.1% in 2024 (versus 2023). Whilst energy intensity (per full time employee) in 2024 since the baseline year of 2019 decreased by 51.3%. In 2024, our absolute energy footprint has also decreased by 59% (versus 2019).
In 2024, Sopra Steria’s Energy Efficiency Working Group implemented the following energy efficiency initiatives:
- At our Hemel Hempstead site we’ve continue to monitor data generated from current transformer (CT) sensors (that measure electrical current passing through circuits situated throughout the building) and half-hourly meter readings to help identify at a granular level where energy is being used. This provides our building maintenance contractor and site facilities teams with the capability to perform real-time monitoring - pinpointing anomalies or unusual spikes in consumption to identify areas where electricity is being wasted. In turn, they’ve been able to make proactive adjustments to equipment and processes to reduce consumption without disrupting site operations.
- Timeclocks were installed on 6 electric water heaters located within the Hemel Hempstead office. The annual saving of this action is expected to be 3,120 kWh. This equates to a 25% reduction in the total energy consumption of these devices.
- In September a moderate length of gas heating system pipework was insulated at our Hemel Hempstead site, as contrary to standard practice this had not been insulated on installation. Annual expected savings are expected to be 2,527 kWh.
- A four-year energy-saving action plan, covering the period December 5, 2023, to December 5, 2027, was submitted to the Environment Agency as part of continual compliance with ESOS Phase 3. This plan ensures that Sopra Steria has a strategy in place for ongoing energy efficiency that is in line with the overall UK property strategy.
Business Travel and Internal Carbon Price
In the UK Sopra Steria applies an internal shadow carbon price to business travel. This facilitated a reduction of 63% in business travel emissions per full-time employee in the reporting year 2024 since the baseline year of 2019.
Waste Management
100% of waste from collections managed directly by Sopra Steria is diverted away from landfill.
Supply Chain Emissions
In 2024, supply chain emissions accounted for 88% of Sopra Steria’s full value chain GHG emissions.
In 2024, a change to calculating Scope 3 Category 1 emissions (purchased goods and services) was introduced. To better reflect the actual emissions performance of our suppliers, we have gathered primary data through a supplier engagement survey and a process of ‘data scraping’ of publicly available emissions and financial data. In 2024, this survey was issued to suppliers representing the top 70% of our supply chain spend.
During 2024, we launched a Supplier Engagement Programme to gather data from our suppliers, which included their GHG emissions reporting and reduction targets. Suppliers accounting for 14.4% of Sopra Steria’s Scope 3 Category 1 emissions were able to evidence their full value chain emissions. Therefore, we have been able to include their emissions figures in the calculation of our Scope 3 category 1 emissions through the creation and application of bespoke emission factors.
For other suppliers that aren’t yet mature in their journey in being able to calculate their full Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, we continue to apply Defra conversation factors based on the supplier's Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code as published on the Companies House webpage for their registered company. In addition, as Defra conversion factors are only available up until 2021, the effect of inflation (using the International Monetary Fund rate) has been embedded into the calculation of emissions for suppliers where we haven’t been able to apply our bespoke emission factors.
Therefore, we have applied a hybrid methodology to calculate emissions related to our entire supply chain.
Carbon Offset Initiatives
As part of our strategy for transitioning towards net zero emissions, Sopra Steria purchases carbon removal offsets from One Carbon World, who are accredited by United Nations Climate Neutral Now programme.
The afforestation project (linked to Sopra Steria’s carbon removal offsets) delivers multiple environmental benefits that align with broader sustainability goals, particularly those outlined in the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS). These include:
Biodiversity:
- The project includes conservation areas along rivers and streams, safeguarding native forests and enhancing local biodiversity.
- Natural forests within the project boundaries contain valuable tree species (e.g., Salix humboldtiana, Erythrina crista-galli), providing habitats for wildlife.
- Afforestation on degraded grazing land prevents further biodiversity loss by reducing land degradation and increasing vegetative cover.
- Sustainable forest management practices, including selective pruning and thinning, promote habitat diversity and long-term ecological balance.
Soil:
- The project restores degraded soils by increasing organic matter through afforestation, improving soil structure and fertility.
- Tree root systems stabilise the land, reducing soil erosion and compaction, particularly on rolling hills with shallow soils.
- Sustainable site preparation minimises disturbance, with soil tillage performed only before planting and not repeated for at least 20 years.
- The project prevents further loss of soil organic carbon, which had already declined by over 20% due to long-term cattle grazing.
Water:
- The afforestation plan protects natural watercourses by maintaining buffer zones with native riparian vegetation.
- Trees help regulate the hydrological cycle by reducing surface runoff, filtering pollutants, and promoting groundwater recharge.
- The project mitigates the risk of drought and flooding by improving soil water retention and reducing erosion, thereby contributing to watershed stability.
Additionally, the project includes Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification which meets the requirements of supply chain transparency act (many community benefits such as healthcare, job creation and school education programme are included). The project has also received Climate, Community and Biodiversity (CCB) accreditation, which demonstrates community and biodiversity-related outcomes.
Currently, only a few projects in the world has achieved this high level of accreditation.
Digital Sustainability
In August 2024, Sopra Steria became members of the Government Digital Sustainability Alliance (GDSA). Our UK CEO signed an agreement that Sopra Steria will support Defra and the wider UK Government meet the commitments defined within the Greening Government ICT and Digital Services Strategy 2020-2025.
Future Initiatives
Through the work of our Energy Efficiency Working Group, at Sopra Steria we will continue to collaborate with our building maintenance contractor to explore energy savings opportunities that will lead to increased energy efficiency and facilitate a further reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions.
In 2025, through the Supplier Emissions Reduction Programme our Sustainable Procurement Working Group will build on the approach in 2024 to gather emissions data and promote GHG emissions reductions in our value chain.
Board Approval
Sopra Steria Limited’s Board of Directors has approved this Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan for the Financial Year ending on 31st December 2024.
Director’s Name: John Neilson (CEO)
Date: Monday, 14th March 2025
Download the full PDF version of the Net Zero Carbon Reduction Plan.