SAP Partners with Climeworks to Achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2030

In a significant move towards sustainability, SAP has announced a partnership with Climeworks aimed at achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. This collaboration, which was publicly unveiled on July 24, 2025, is part of SAP's comprehensive strategy to enhance its environmental responsibility while maintaining its leadership in the global market.
Matthias Medert, the Global Head of Sustainability at SAP, stated that sustainability is not merely an initiative but a core component of the company’s overall business strategy. "Our commitment to reach net-zero GHG emissions by 2030 signifies not only a moral obligation but also a strategic business decision to lead in corporate climate action efforts," Medert emphasized.
SAP’s ambitious target includes reducing gross GHG emissions by 90% across its value chain, with any remaining emissions neutralized through verified carbon removal projects. This commitment aligns with the pathways established in the Paris Agreement, a treaty aimed at limiting global warming to below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
The partnership with Climeworks involves a contractual agreement to secure 37,000 tons of high-quality carbon removal credits through 2034. This agreement encompasses innovative technologies such as direct air capture, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering. According to Dr. Lisa Thompson, an environmental scientist at Stanford University, these technologies represent critical advancements in combating climate change. "Direct air capture is particularly promising as it allows for the removal of CO2 directly from the atmosphere," she noted in her 2023 research published in the Journal of Environmental Science.
SAP’s decarbonization strategy is structured around four key pillars: cloud transformation, upstream supply chain engagement, internal operations improvements, and investment in carbon removal projects. The company aims to accelerate its shift towards cloud solutions, powered entirely by renewable energy, and is working closely with suppliers to lower emissions throughout its supply chain. This approach not only reduces operational emissions but also fosters collaboration on sustainability goals, as noted by Sophia Mendelsohn, SAP’s Chief Sustainability & Commercial Officer. Mendelsohn stated, "This partnership allows us to lock in carbon removal capacity at preferred rates, hedging against future price volatility."
Furthermore, SAP is actively integrating sustainability into its product offerings. The partnership with Climeworks includes the development of ERP-centric carbon management tools, which will be integrated into SAP's Sustainability Control Tower. This initiative aims to provide companies with actionable insights to manage and mitigate emissions in real-time, thereby reinforcing SAP's position as a leader in the climate-tech space.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond SAP itself. As businesses increasingly face regulatory and stakeholder pressures to demonstrate environmental responsibility, SAP’s solutions will empower clients to meet these expectations effectively. Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of Sustainable Business at the University of California, Berkeley, remarked, "SAP's commitment to embedding sustainability into its core processes serves as a model for other corporations aiming to enhance their environmental impact."
Looking ahead, SAP is committed to continuously improving its net-zero program, with the ambition to lead by example even beyond 2030. This commitment aligns with the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) Corporate Net-Zero Standard, which emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability efforts.
In conclusion, SAP's partnership with Climeworks signifies a pivotal step in corporate climate action, combining innovative technology with strategic business practices to shape a sustainable future. As the effects of climate change intensify, such collaborations will be crucial in driving systemic change across industries. Through transparency, collaboration, and technological innovation, SAP is not just preparing for a net-zero future; it is actively shaping it.
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