Climate action in action
Greenhouse gases (GHG) trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. They let sunlight through, but hinder heat from leaving. Too much GHG causes global warming, the main cause of climate change. To help fight it, businesses like ours need to reduce GHG emissions.
There are seven major types of GHG. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most common, which is why these emissions are often referred to as carbon emissions and expressed in the unit carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e).
Our targets
We are working to measurably reduce our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from making and selling LEGO® bricks across our factories, offices and stores, as well as in our supply chain. To deliver against this, we set specific targets that will help us ensure progress today, tomorrow and in years to come.
A verified science-based target
In 2020, we were the first large toy company to announce a science-based emissions target to reduce our absolute GHG emissions by 37% by the year 2032, compared to 2019. Our target is ambitious and in line with the Paris Agreement. It has been approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a collaboration between the United Nations Global Compact, CDP, WRI and WWF.
Net-zero emissions by 2050
We pledged to achieve net-zero GHG emissions by 2050 as part of our continued efforts to reduce environmental impact. We submitted our intention to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in August 2023 and will work with them and our partners to achieve the target.
Everybody plays their part
We’ve introduced an annual key performance indicator (KPI) which sets a yearly emission target. We believe all employees can play a part in meeting our goals, so from 2024 a percentage of our performance management program for all salaried colleagues’ bonuses will be tied to annual emissions. The KPI measures carbon from our operations and compares this with how many bricks have been manufactured over the same period. This gives us a carbon-intensity metric that we can track.
Our carbon capture investments
While our primary focus remains on reducing the environmental impact of our factories, offices, stores and supply chain, we welcome the opportunity to support permanent carbon-removal solutions for hard-to-abate emissions.
We signed a $2.4 million agreement with the pioneering carbon-removal company Climeworks to progress towards net-zero carbon emissions.
Their direct air capture and storage (DAC+S) solution permanently removes CO2 from the atmosphere and can play an important role in achieving net-zero carbon emissions.
DAC+S will become part of a broad portfolio of initiatives we utilize to address our carbon emissions at every stage of the business, and we believe a wide range of initiatives are required to realize our net-zero ambitions and protect the planet for generations to come.
Our GHG emissions split
Every year, we calculate the LEGO Group’s GHG emissions in accordance with the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol. By measuring our climate impact, we can make real, measurable improvements.
We report on Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, which ensures we account for all the GHG emissions linked to the production and sales of LEGO products. Our calculations are verified every year by an external third party in accordance with the International Standard on Assurance Engagements 3410.
Our emissions
Scope 1
Direct emissions from LEGO factories, offices, stores and vehicles.
Scope 2
Indirect emissions from the energy we purchase to power LEGO factories, offices, stores and vehicles.
Scope 3
Emissions from outside the LEGO Group operations, from our supply chain.
What’s covered by our targets
In 2023, our total GHG emissions were 1.8m tCO2e, up from 1.6m in 2022. These include Scope 2 emissions calculated as market-based*. When considering Scope 2 location-based emissions, total GHG emissions for 2022 and 2023 were 1.7m and 1.9m tCO2e respectively.
We remain on our path towards long-term emission reductions. However, emissions increased in the near-term due to several factors: we’ve purchased new equipment, including machines for paper-based packaging, and more energy-efficient molding machines. Demand for LEGO products has increased significantly, which has contributed to company growth in new and existing markets. We are building new factories in the US and Vietnam to manufacture our products closer to the geographies where the demand is high. Both factories are being designed to include on- or off-site solar facilities with the capacity to match their energy needs.
*Location-based vs. market-based Scope 2 emissions as defined by the GHG Protocol.
Our methodology
Our emissions are calculated in accordance with the framework defined by the internationally recognized Greenhouse Gas Protocol and include all GHG covered by the UNFCCC/Kyoto Protocol for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
Our 2023 sustainability progress
We’re joining forces with children and parents, our employees, partners, experts and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to make a lasting impact and inspire the children of today to become the builders of tomorrow.