Climate Change Data

Universal Music Group N.V.

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2021)

Reporting Period: 2021

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:18,598 tCO2e
Scope 1 Emissions:1,704 tCO2e
Scope 2 Emissions:7,789 tCO2e
Scope 3 Emissions:9,105 tCO2e
Total Energy Consumption:13,681 MWh (standard sources) + 7,982 MWh (renewable sources)
Waste Generated:1,057 tons (non-hazardous), 761 tons recycled

ESG Focus Areas

  • Environment
  • Social
  • Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Achieved carbon neutrality in Germany through emissions-reduction measures and carbon offsets.
  • Increased procurement of locally-sourced packaging by 10% in France.
  • Launched a green packaging program (greenpack) in France.

Social Achievements

  • Launched the Universal Music All Together Now Foundation to support education, health/wellness, and racial equity and justice.
  • Expanded artist welfare initiatives in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including financial support through MusiCares and Help Musicians UK.
  • Launched the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Internship Program.
  • Launched ASCEND program to accelerate representation of Black employees in senior executive roles.
  • Launched U.M.She Leads mentorship program for rising female leaders.

Governance Achievements

  • Established a dedicated ESG function within the Finance organization, reporting to the Board.
  • Updated the company’s fraud risk assessment.
  • Implemented a comprehensive privacy and cybersecurity compliance program.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Achieve net-zero emissions (target year not specified).
Medium-term Goals:
  • Set Science-Based Targets for emissions reduction and submit for SBTi validation by 2023.
Short-term Goals:
  • Migrate to 100% cloud-based operations by 2025.
  • Extend greenpack implementation to all standard frontline releases by the end of 2022.

Environmental Challenges

  • Challenge to attract, sign, and retain successful artists.
  • Challenge to attract and retain internal talent.
  • Risks associated with responsible content.
  • Risks associated with the company’s carbon intensity.
  • Privacy and data security.
  • Governmental and regulatory challenges.
  • Changes in laws and regulations.
  • Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on business operations and revenue streams.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Investing in artist development and marketing.
  • Implementing a comprehensive employee wellbeing program.
  • Developing and implementing a robust content protection program.
  • Setting Science-Based Targets for emissions reduction.
  • Implementing a comprehensive privacy and cybersecurity compliance program.
  • Engaging in lobbying and advocacy efforts.
  • Developing business continuity plans.
  • Expanding eCommerce and direct-to-consumer businesses.

Supply Chain Management

Responsible Procurement
  • Embedding sustainability component into RFP process for global travel
  • Incorporating sustainability clause into commercial contracts
  • Incorporating UMG Supplier Social Responsibility Policy into manufacturing agreements (Bravado)

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Chronic risks such as rainfall, temperatures, drought, and sea level rise
Transition Risks
  • Political, legal, technological, and market risks

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: UN SDGs, CDP, TCFD, GRI (reference)

Third-party Assurance: Limited third-party attestation of data collection efforts

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
  • Goal 13 (Climate Action)
  • Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
  • Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
  • Goal 4 (Quality Education)
  • Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being)

UMG's initiatives contribute to these goals through various environmental, social, and governance programs.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Greenpack packaging
  • Sustainable merchandise collections