Reducing CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) and Transition Plan
CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2) reduction target in manufacturing
To achieve its goal of realizing carbon neutrality by 2050, Bridgestone Group has set a target for Milestone 2030 to reduce its absolute CO2 emissions (Scope 1 and 2*) by 50%, compared to 2011. The Group has also set an interim goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 30% or more by 2023 compared to 2011.
In 2023, the Group continued its efforts to improve energy efficiency and introduce renewable energy sources and achieved its 2023 interim target with a 57.3% reduction compared to 2011, which has also exceeded its 2030 milestone.
In 2024, the Group newly set an interim target for 2026 of over 50% reduction compared to 2011, while expanding its production and sales volume. For more information on the Mid Term Business Plan, please refer to the Investor Relations page "Mid-Long Term Business Strategy.”
In 2023, Bridgestone’s Pune plant in India was verified as its first carbon neutral (scope 1 and 2) tire manufacturing site. Bridgestone’s Pune manufacturing facility produces more than 4 million tires per year. Over the years, the site has reduced its total carbon footprint by 94%, through a number of measures. These include solar panels at the plant and a carbon neutral biomass-based boiler which uses carbon neutral biomass briquettes made from agricultural waste. As part of its PAS 2060 verification, the site has committed to a further CO2 reduction plan for the next three years.
* The target covers emissions from production sites excluding discontinued operations. Scope 1 covers all direct CO2 emissions by the Company (from boilers of manufacturing facilities, etc.). Scope 2 covers indirect energy-related CO2 emissions (from consumption of purchased electricity etc.). Scope 3 covers CO2 emissions from raw material procurement, distribution, customers’ use, and after-use of lifecycle stages.
In May 2012, Bridgestone Europe Technology Center in Rome was the first to acquire ISO 50001 certification in Italy. Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA) has been focusing on enhancing energy management, With the ISO 50001 certification of the Britz plant in South Africa in 2024, certification is now complete at all tire manufacturing plants in BSEMEA, including Pune and Indore plant in India (formerly included in the same business unit), Technology Center and Proving Ground in Italy. In addition, the certification was obtained by the plants in Izmit and Aksaray (Turkey). Other certifications include Thai Bridgestone Co., Ltd.’s the Nong Khae plant in 2015, Bridgestone (China) Investment Co., Ltd.’s Wuxi plant in 2021, and Bridgestone de Costa Rica S.A.’s San Jose plant in 2018.
The Group is working to improve energy management by identifying the major causes of excess energy consumption, defining effective indicators, implementing continuous monitoring in real time (as per the Smart Energy project in Europe), setting targets, promoting awareness among employees, improving the skills of technicians involved with equipment and engaging in initiatives including forming specialized energy conservation teams.
Transition to renewable energy sources (electricity)
As part of its efforts toward carbon neutrality, the Group is expanding its use of renewable energy sources at manufacturing and other facilities, including non-manufacturing sites. As of 2021, the Group has transitioned all electricity purchased to renewable energy sources at all BSEMEA’s Europe locations, four plants in Japan (Hikone, Shimonoseki, Tosu, and Kitakyushu), and two plants in China (Tianjin and Wuxi). In EMEA, they are 100% covered with renewable electricity from 2023. In 2022, one plant in India (Pune), and two plants for diversified products in China (Shenyang and Changzhou) also switched to renewable energy sources for purchased electricity. In the Americas, at the beginning of 2023, two plants (Monterrey and Cuernavaca) transitioned to carbon free energy, while 70% of the electricity consumed at the Buenos Aires plant is now from renewable energy. In Japan, six tire and raw materials plants (Hofu, Tochigi, Nasu, Kurume, Amagi and Saga) transitioned all electricity purchased to renewable energy sources and two chemical and industrial products plants (Seki and Kumamoto) have also begun transitioning to renewable energy sources. The transitions are estimated to raise the renewable energy ratio (electricity) used at production bases in Japan to around 90%.*1
Chonburi plant (Thailand)
In addition to switching to renewable energy sources for purchased electricity, we are also focusing on introducing solar power generation equipment from the perspective of reducing costs and introducing electricity with high environmental value. In 2018, the Wuxi Plant (China) and in 2019 Pune Plant (India) began using electricity generated by large-scale, solar power panel installed on the facilities’ roofs by electricity suppliers. In 2019, Bridgestone commissioned a 1.725 MWp solar installation at the Indore (India) plant. This resulted in a reduction of 1601 MT of carbon dioxide emissions along with an annual cost saving of approximately Rs. 6.874 million (appx. US$83,000). The Chonburi plant in Thailand installed 2,160 photovoltaic panels on its roof and started supplying 1MW of solar power in 2021. Solar rooftop panels were installed in the Nong Khae plant in 2022. With the largest solar rooftop panel capacity among the Group at a total of 9.95 MWp, it is expected to create a 97,500-ton reduction in total CO2 emissions over the next 15 years.*2 Also, in 2020, a 2MW solar power system was installed at the Aiken plant in the United States and, in 2022, a large 9.2 MW solar power system began operation at the Burgos plant in Spain. In addition, the Group is introducing renewable energy at its non-manufacturing sites and has switched all electricity to renewable energy at its research center in Thailand. In Japan, four Bridgestone Group tire manufacturing facilities (Tosu, Tochigi, Kitakyushu and Kurume), the Chemical & Industrial Products Technology Center (Yokohama) and the Global-Manufacturing Education Center and B-Innovation (Tokyo) have each introduced solar photovoltaic power generation systems.
At two tire plants in Japan (Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu), solar power generation commenced based on a power purchase agreement in 2024. This is the first instance of a Bridgestone tire plant in Japan engaging in large-scale generation of solar power based on a power purchase agreement. With a combined generation capacity of 5.8 MW, the solar power systems will supply the electricity used to produce tires at the two plants while contributing to an expected reduction in annual CO2 emissions of approximately 2,700 tons (in comparison to emissions from electricity created and supplied through the power grid*3).
Wuxi plant (China)
Aiken plant (United States)
In 2023, wind power generation commenced at the BRIDGESTONE Aircraft Tire (EUROPE) plant in Belgium based on a power purchase agreement.
As a result of these initiatives, the renewable energy ratio (electricity) in the Group reached 69.2% in 2023, which exceeded the original target of expanding its use by more than 50%. The Group will continue to expand the introduction of renewable energy with the new target of exceeding 70% by 2026, while considering the local characteristics of each SBU.
For more details on renewable energy use, see “ESG Data.”
Renewable energy ratio (electricity) is calculated based on (purchased electricity from renewable sources + self-generated renewable electricity) (purchased electricity + self-generated renewable electricity - electricity sold), covering production sites excluding discontinued operations.
Calculated using a factor of 0.4798 tons-CO2/MWh for 15 years by Bridgestone Asia Pacific Technology Center Co., Ltd.
Electricity handled through the power system used to generate electricity at power generators, transform this electricity, and transmit and distribute it to users.
Transition to renewable energy sources (fuel)
As one of the initiatives for Scope 1 CO2 emissions reduction in consideration of regional characteristics, the Group is promoting energy source conversion of heat.
Energy efficient biomass boiler
Wood pellet biomass fuel
Bridgestone Costa Rica (BSCR) introduced a biomass boiler to produce heat for its San Jose plant in 2014. The company successfully reduced CO2 emissions for the facility by approximately 50% by replacing oil with wood pellets as fuel for the boiler. This BSCR initiative is helping the Republic of Costa Rica achieve its goal of carbon neutrality.
In addition, Bridgestone India Private Limited Pune plant installed a biomass boiler to cover 100% of the plant’s steam demand in 2021. Bridgestone Tire Manufacturing Vietnam in Hai Phong shifted to 100% renewable energy from biomass for steam used in production. This transition is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 92% compared to the emissions produced by the LPG Boiler.
An electric boiler is also used in regions where the renewable energy ratio of grid electricity is relatively high in order to reduce Scope 1 CO2 emissions. The San Jose plant (Costa Rica) installed such a boiler in 2023, and the Bahia plant (Brazil) will also be installing one in 2024.
Group-wide survey to identify energy losses
Energy survey at a tire plant
Even as manufacturing volumes grow in response to demand, the Group will continue to work to reduce its energy consumption to achieve its CO2 emissions reduction goals. Since 2009, Bridgestone’s Technology Center has proactively conducted energy surveys to identify energy losses and areas for improvement at plant facilities. The Group is also continuously developing the ability of personnel to recognize and implement energy-saving opportunities. In Milestone 2030, the Group aims to improve its energy efficiency by 0.5% per year, and will continue to promote these activities throughout the Group.
Reducing Scope 3 CO2 emissions from raw materials, distribution and after-use
In Milestone 2030, the Group set a target to reduce CO2 emissions throughout the lifecycle and value chain (Scope 3) of its products and services exceeding five times its operation’s (Scope 1 and 2) CO2 emissions by 2030 (base year 2020). In 2023, the contribution to CO2 emissions reduction combined with the activities of the entire value chain was equivalent to approximately 3.4 million tons.* This is 1.87 times the amount of CO2 emissions from its operations.
* Calculated using Bridgestone's proprietary calculation method based on the Tyre LCCO2 Calculation Guidelines Ver. 3.0.1 (The Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association, Inc.), Bridgestone’s CO2 emissions are verified by LRQA Limited, a third-party institution, to ensure the accuracy and transparency of this information.
CO2 emissions reduction at logistics facilities in Japan
Promoting modal shift between the Kanto and Kyushu areas
As a large shipper, Bridgestone Corporation is working with logistics companies, including its affiliated company Bridgestone Logistics, to reduce annual CO2 emissions per energy intensity by 1% on average. For trucks and cars, the Company adopted low-emission vehicles, such as hybrid, introduced eco-driving guidance and increased the size of vehicles to enhance transportation efficiency. It also expanded the round-trip use of containers and vehicles by reducing the return of empty containers and using a comprehensive vehicle allocation system to shorten shipping distances by improving logistics routes. The Company is also working to reduce CO2 emissions associated with shipping from plants to distribution centers through modal shifts, such as switching to rail and ship transportation.
Building certified Gold for LEED®
Bridgestone Americas headquarters
Bridgestone Americas headquarters
In 2018, the Bridgestone Americas headquarters tower in Nashville, Tennessee (U.S.) received Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. The 48,588 m2, 31-story building is recognized for implementing solutions aimed at achieving high performance in multiple categories: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation.
For more information, please see the news release.
Bridgestone B-Innovation (Japan)
B-Innovation
B-Innovation, an innovation center located in Bridgestone Innovation Park (Kodaira City, Tokyo) was awarded LEED® GOLD certification in 2022. Multiple sustainability features were evaluated, including the building design (which achieved an energy reduction of 24.2% from the energy efficiency standard stipulated by LEED), the use of a solar power generation system, and the reuse and recycling of more than 50% of construction waste, etc.
The Group is enhancing Milestone 2030 and supplier engagement initiatives for realizing carbon neutrality and a circular economy and for advancing its Sustainability Business Framework that ensures the link between sustainability activities and business throughout the entire value chain.
To accelerate these initiatives, in January 2023 the Group obtained recognition from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) that its CO2 reduction targets for 2030 are consistent with the level stipulated in the Paris Agreement (holding the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels).
The near-term targets approved by SBTi are the following,
Bridgestone Corporation commits to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 28% by 2030 from a 2019 base year.*
Bridgestone Corporation commits that 92% of its suppliers by emissions (covering purchased goods and services) will have science-based targets by 2026.
* The target boundary includes land-related emissions and removals from bioenergy feedstocks.
