CDP rates BASF as a leader in protecting water, forests and climate

December 7, 2021

The non-profit organization CDP has again ranked BASF as one of the world's leading companies for its measures and transparent reporting on water and forest management as well as climate protection. BASF achieved an A- rating in all three categories, meeting more stringent requirements for climate leadership. 

In the “CDP Water Security” list, BASF achieved the rating “A-“ (2020: A). CDP assesses how transparently companies report on their water management activities and how they reduce risks such as water scarcity. The assessment also takes into account the extent to which product developments can also contribute to sustainable water management at the customers of the companies assessed. BASF is introducing sustainable water management at all relevant production sites by 2030. This includes the large Verbund sites and sites in water stress areas.

BASF was evaluated by CDP for the second time for its efforts in forest protection and received an “A-“ grade here, as in the previous year. BASF provided the organization with detailed insights into its palm and palm kernel oil value chain and the impact of BASF's activities on ecosystems and habitats. BASF recognizes the importance of protecting forests for the well-being of the environment and society. As a player in various value chains, BASF is committed to ending deforestation in these supply chains. Since 2016, BASF has regularly reported on progress and cooperation along the value chain in its Palm Progress Report.

BASF also once again achieved an “A-“ rating on CDP's climate list. BASF has been participating in CDP's reporting on climate protection-relevant data since 2004 and thus informs relevant stakeholders transparently about its climate protection strategy and CO₂ reduction measures. BASF has set itself the goal of achieving net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. Already by 2030, BASF aims to reduce CO₂ emissions by 25% compared with 2018. At the heart of the long-term emissions reduction is the use of new technologies, which will replace fossil fuels such as natural gas with electricity from renewable sources. Most of these technologies are being pioneered by BASF together with partners and are currently in the pilot stage. The full scale-up of these technologies will only be fully realizable after 2030. In order to accelerate the reduction of CO₂ emissions before then, BASF will continue to systematically implement continuous improvement processes for existing production plants. In addition, BASF has invested in renewable energy production plants for self-supply in 2021 and has concluded contracts to supply our sites with energy from renewable sources.

CDP data is also used to a large extent in other assessments by leading rating agencies. CDP scores are awarded annually on a scale from “A” (best result) to “D-“. Companies that provide no or only insufficient information are marked with “F”.