SAN DIEGO, Sept. 9, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Illumina, Inc.
(NASDAQ: ILMN) elevates climate action goals with commitments for
net zero greenhouse gas emissions aligned with the Paris Agreement,
commits to verified Science Based Targets, signs the Business
Ambition for 1.5 degree and joins the United Nations campaign
Race to Zero.
"Human health and the health of our environment are intertwined.
At Illumina, we are dedicated to making a positive impact on
humanity, through the applications of our breakthrough genomics
technologies, and also through how we operate," said Francis
deSouza, Chief Executive Officer of Illumina. "With our commitment
to responsible and sustainable practices, we aim to help shape a
more sustainable and equitable future for all."
Illumina has set science-based emission reduction targets
across their entire value chain that are consistent with keeping
global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. They have also
committed to a long-term target of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Targets have been submitted for verification with the Science Based
Targets initiative (SBTi) and include commitment to SBTi's most
ambitious guidelines.
Illumina has signed the "Business Ambition for 1.5°C," a
global coalition set up by the UN Global Compact, the Science Based
Targets initiative, and We Mean Business Ambition for 1.5°C.
Illumina also joins the United Nations "Race to Zero" campaign in
the run-up to the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of
the Parties (COP26) and underlines
Illumina's commitment to leadership in corporate social
responsibility. These elevated climate action goals represent an
upgrade from previous targets Illumina had modeled using
2°C climate scenarios and an associated 30 percent emission
reduction effort. In line with the latest research, Illumina has
now adjusted their carbon emission reduction targets to the most
aggressive climate action goals.
On the path to net zero, Illumina has established milestone
targets including a 46 percent reduction of emissions from our
direct operations by 2030 and a 46 percent reduction of emissions
from our indirect operations with a focus on the value chain
elements associated with purchased materials, transportation,
investments, business travel, and employee commuting.
Included in Illumina's Climate Action plan is a $20 million philanthropic commitment by 2030 to
support initiatives dedicated to sustainability innovation,
environmental education, urban tree planting, biodiversity
research, sustainable agriculture projects.
"We have integrated our sustainability goals into our giving
strategy acknowledging that often the most vulnerable populations
in the world are being impacted the most by climate change despite
having contributed the least to the climate crisis," said
Sharon Vidal, Global Lead of
Corporate Social Responsibility. "There is tremendous opportunity
for innovation, collaboration, and community engagement to
collectively make an impact and protect our communities and the
planet."
"Climate change represents a threat to human health, the
environment, and the global economy," said Sam Samad, Chief Financial Officer at Illumina.
"Setting ambitious emission reduction targets are an important part
of our overall business strategy to minimize risk associated with
climate change, identify opportunities, build resilience on
potential climate impact, and be transparent with all our
stakeholders on our progress."
The company's net zero progress will be reported yearly in the
annual Corporate Social Responsibility Report and CDP
submission.
About Illumina
Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the
genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as the global
leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving
customers in the research, clinical and applied markets. Our
products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology,
reproductive health, agriculture and other emerging segments. To
learn more, visit www.illumina.com and connect with us
on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram,
and YouTube.
Investors:
Brian
Blanchett
+1.858.291.6421
ir@illumina.com
Media:
Dr. Karen
Birmingham
+1.646.355.2111
+44(0) 7500 105665
kbirmingham@illumina.com
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SOURCE Illumina, Inc.