HVAC, refrigeration and sustainable building solutions company Carrier announced today a new target to achieve net zero emissions across its value chain by 2050, including both direct operational as well as indirect emissions.

The company said that its sustainability strategy scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Scope 1 emissions are generated by companies’ direct operations, such as an HVAC company’s use of fuels and refrigerants, while Scope 2 include emissions from purchased electricity. While Carrier’s 2022 ESG report did not include a measure of Scope 3 emissions, which include those created in the supply chain or in the use of its products, they likely account for a significant majority of the company’s carbon footprint.

Buildings are a significant contributor to global GHG emissions, and one of the hardest to replace, given their long-term nature. Overall, buildings are estimated to contribute to about 15% of global carbon emissions, with heating and cooling representing about 35% of that.

Carrier said that the new goal complements its existing initiative to help its customers avoid more than 1 gigaton of GHG emissions by 2030, and builds on its 2030 target to reach carbon neutrality. Both goals were set in 2020, following the company’s separation from United Technologies Corporation.

Carrier said that its plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will align with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to limit global warming to 1.5⁰ C, and that it aims to publish near- and long-term goals in accordance with the SBTi validation process.

David Gitlin, Carrier Chairman & CEO, said:

“As we continue to distinguish ourselves as a climate systems and solutions leader, we are doubling down on our own commitments for the benefit of our customers, shareowners and the planet. Sustainability and ESG leadership remain at our core, and we continue to walk the talk and invest to drive decarbonization.”