For the first time ever, the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) has named Ecolab to its A List for Climate, in addition to the A List for Water Security. This Double A listing recognizes Ecolab’s environmental leadership, transparency and determination to take action. Ecolab is one of 64 companies to earn this distinction out of than 5,800 companies submitted data to make the A lists for both water and climate.

“Our A List celebrates those companies who are preparing themselves to excel in the economy of the future by taking action today,” said CDP CEO Paul Simpson.

Over the last 15 years, Ecolab has set an increasingly ambitious series of climate and water goals. This latest CDP recognition underlines progress in the company’s continued drive to advance sustainability in its operations.

Gold standard

“Our inclusion on the CDP climate and water security reinforces the work Ecolab does every day to help our customers reduce water and energy use and greenhouse gas emissions through our solutions,” said Ecolab Chairman and CEO Douglas M. Baker, Jr.

CDP is widely seen as the gold standard for environmental transparency. Companies that wish to be included on the list must demonstrate operational best practices and ambitious target-setting, and rigorously disclose their progress along the way.

“This double A rating for water and climate demonstrates our commitment to being a leader, both in our own operations and in collaboration with our customers and partners, and to make a positive impact through our work,” said Ecolab Senior Vice President of Sustainability Emilio Tenuta.

Zero emissions by 2050

Ecolab has ramped up its efforts around climate in recent years, including a 2019 wind energy deal that covers 100% of the company’s North American energy needs and reduced its overall greenhouse gas emissions by 25%, more than doubling the stated goal of a 10% greenhouse gas emissions reduction by 2020.

Ecolab’s carbon targets are recognized as being in line with climate science by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). The company is also certified by RE100, a CDP partner group that brings together companies that have committed to 100% renewable energy by 2050.

Last year, Ecolab joined the U.N Business Ambition for 1.5⁰C, pledging to halve its carbon emissions by 2030 and reduce them to net-zero by 2050. The company aims to achieve those targets by moving to 100% renewable energy, becoming more energy efficient across the board, switching its fleet over to electric vehicles and working with suppliers to adopt similar goals.

Ecolab’s climate and water commitments are part of its 2030 Impact Goals, which are focused on partnering with customers and advancing sustainability in its own operations to drive a positive impact around water, climate, food, health, diversity and inclusion and safety.