Indonesia’s TSE Group commits to net zero emissions by 2050

Tunas Sawa Erma Group is committed to contribute to global efforts to reach zero emissions by 2050. [Photo provided by TSE Group]

The latest climate science from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - described by the United Nations as “code red for humanity” - shows it is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, but time is running out. To prevent the worst impacts of climate change, a rapid transition to a net-zero carbon economy is required. This means reducing greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible and balancing any remaining emissions by removing an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through natural or technological means.

Net zero emissions is the point at which the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere does not exceed the amount of carbon dioxide removed from it by Earth’s natural carbon sinks, such as forests and oceans.

Many countries and companies around the world have pledged to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 or earlier, as part of efforts to limit global warming and avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Indonesian palm oil plantation company Tunas Sawa Erma Group (TSE Group) is one such entity that has made this commitment. In a recent statement, TSE Group said it is committed to contributing to global-scale efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

The company believes that net zero emissions are achievable through teamwork and innovation from all players in the palm oil value chain. To demonstrate its commitment, TSE Group uses the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) standards to define its emissions goals. SBTi is a global body enabling businesses to set ambitious emissions reduction targets in line with the latest climate science. It is focused on accelerating companies across the world to halve emissions before 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions before 2050.

By adhering to SBTi standards, TSE Group will set objectives and take necessary actions to limit global warming to below 1.5°C. The company will also report the progress of these actions in a transparent and consistent manner through the SBTi platform and other relevant mechanisms.

“In the next two years, we will establish near-term and long-term targets, which encompass all our operational activities and supply chain and take into account carbon sequestration potential from the plantations and forests we manage,” said TSE Group Director, Luwy Leunufna, in his statement.

TSE Group will also comply with local rules and regulations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets. NDCs are commitments that each country makes to the Paris Agreement. Indonesia has pledged to cut emissions by 29 percent below business-as-usual levels in 2030, or by 41 percent with international help, as part of its NDC.

“We support the government’s efforts to show this commitment, and we pledge to collaborate with other stakeholders to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy,” Leunufna said.

The palm oil company believes that by taking these steps, it will have a positive impact not only on the environment and climate as a whole but also on the local economy and social prosperity, which are reliant on the palm oil industry. TSE Group hopes to inspire other companies to join the net zero emissions movement, and collectively work towards a sustainable future for all.