Chemours targets net zero emissions by 2050

USA: Chemours says it is looking to achieve a 60% absolute reduction of operations-related greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In addition to refrigerants, Chemours is a major producer of titanium dioxide, industrial fluoropolymer resins and derivatives and other chemical solutions. 

Last month, the company announced it was seeking to make significant reductions in emissions of HFC23 at its Louisville, Kentucky manufacturing site. A unique product used in ultra-low temperature refrigeration and the manufacture of semiconductors, HFC23 has a huge GWP of 14,800.

In its latest climate goal announcement, Chemours says that, under Scope 1 of the GHG Protocol, it will continue to enhance emissions control technologies at its manufacturing sites and drive energy efficiency improvements across its operations, reducing the volume of greenhouse gas emissions and energy use. 

In addressing Scope 2 emissions, Chemours will increase the amount of electricity and other energy generated from renewable sources. The company is also in the process of defining goals related to indirect emissions from its value chain (Scope 3) and says it will announce them at a later date. 

To lead its sustainability efforts, Chemours has appointed Sheryl Telford as chief sustainability officer. Telford has been at Chemours (formerly DuPont) since 2008 and has more than 30-years experience in the environmental, safety and health fields in the government, utility and chemistry sectors. She was named as director, EHS and remediation upon the creation of Chemours in 2015, before being named vice president, environment, health, safety and corporate responsibility in 2018.   

In her new role, Chemours says that Telford will also establish strategic collaborations and partnerships with external experts, companies, industries and organisations to advance Chemours sustainability efforts and advocate for sustainable, science-based policy and regulation.