Springer Nature AG & Co. KGaA
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023)
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:22,084 tCO2e (Scope 1, 2, and partial 3)
Scope 1 Emissions:3,385 tCO2e
Scope 2 Emissions:4,279 tCO2e
Scope 3 Emissions:Not disclosed
Renewable Energy Share:99% of total electricity use
Total Energy Consumption:17,613 MWh
Water Consumption:42,611 m3
Waste Generated:537 tons
Carbon Intensity:12 tCO2e per million euros of revenue (gross).
ESG Focus Areas
- Quality Education
- Gender Equality
- Reduced Inequalities
- Climate Action
- Partnerships for the Goals
Environmental Achievements
- Reached 99% renewable and clean electricity use in buildings.
- Reduced buildings’ total energy use by 10.7% compared with 2022.
- Reduced office space by 7.4% in 2023.
- Science-based targets validated by the SBTi.
Social Achievements
- Launched Opening Doors internship programme to support DEI.
- Women now make up 44% of global leadership cohort.
- Delivered more than 60,000 training hours via online learning portal.
- Increased participation in global inclusion and diversity survey (6% more than in 2022).
Governance Achievements
- Established AI governance structure, including forums and processes.
- Set up a hub of tailored DEI resources to inform editorial community.
- 95% of actively managed business partners in labour standards programme committed to following the Code of Conduct.
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Reach net zero GHG emissions across the value chain by 2040.
Medium-term Goals:
- Not disclosed
Short-term Goals:
- Reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 54.6% by 2032.
- Reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 32.5% by 2032.
Environmental Challenges
- Addressing climate-related risks (physical and transition risks).
- Tackling supply chain emissions.
- Ensuring equitable open access (OA) without creating new inequities.
- Addressing challenges to research integrity posed by AI.
Mitigation Strategies
- Developed a comprehensive emissions inventory and science-based targets.
- Engaging with 11 priority suppliers to understand and improve emissions.
- Operating an APC waiver and discount policy for researchers in LICs and LMICs.
- Using AI tools to detect integrity issues and fabricated content.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 23 audits in scope, 21 completed in 2023
Responsible Procurement
- Business Partner Code of Conduct
- Sustainable procurement measures covering 95% of suppliers.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Not disclosed
Transition Risks
- Regulatory changes, market shifts
Opportunities
- Not disclosed
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI
Certifications: LEED Platinum (Pune office)
Third-party Assurance: EY (limited assurance on selected indicators)
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 4, 5, 10, 13, 17
Initiatives detailed throughout the report contribute to these goals through content publication, internal programs, and external partnerships.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Not disclosed
Awards & Recognition
- Nature named Environmental Personality of the Year at the 24th Ecovidrio awards.