14/01/2025 10h17

BRF becomes the first Brazilian food sector company to have its climate targets approved by the SBTi under the new FLAG methodology (Forests, Land, and Agriculture)

BRF, one of the world’s largest food companies and owner of the brands Sadia, Perdigão, and Qualy, has had its greenhouse gas emission reduction targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This recognition makes BRF the first Brazilian company in the food sector to have targets approved under the new FLAG methodology, which stands for Forests, Land, and Agriculture.

Under its new commitment, BRF aims to reduce its direct operational emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 51% by 2032. These emissions include those generated by factories, distribution centers, and energy consumption in its own operations. For indirect emissions along the value chain (Scope 3), which account for 98% of the company’s total emissions, the goal is to achieve a 35.7% reduction by 2032. BRF is also striving to become a NetZero company by neutralizing its residual emissions.

FLAG

Despite contributing approximately 20% of global emissions, the global Forests, Land, and Agriculture (FLAG) sector holds significant potential for absorbing a substantial portion of existing atmospheric emissions. Recognizing this critical role in achieving the Paris Agreement goals, SBTi released a guide in September 2022, providing science-based target-setting frameworks for companies in this sector. The guide requires companies to account for FLAG emissions and outlines pathways to decarbonization aligned with the 1.5°C climate scenario.

BRF's incorporation of FLAG emissions into its inventory—including emissions from livestock farming and land-use changes in grain sourcing—makes its targets even more ambitious. “Adopting the FLAG methodology reinforces our commitment to continuous improvement and enhanced emissions accounting,” says Paulo Pianez, BRF’s Sustainability Director.

Action Fronts

To achieve its goals, BRF has a strategic initiative called NetZero Plan, which is based on four key action fronts: the commitment to a deforestation-free supply chain, both direct and indirect; the promotion of low-carbon agriculture, balancing production with environmental conservation; the transition to a renewable energy matrix; and the improvement of operational efficiency by optimizing energy resource consumption and adopting lower-emission technologies in its operations. The company has already made concrete progress in this direction.

Since 2023, BRF has been monitoring 100% of its direct grain suppliers. For indirect suppliers, it reached 90% in 2024, with a public goal of achieving 100% by 2025. On the renewable energy front, with partnerships established since 2021 with AES Brasil and Power China (formerly Pontoon) for the construction of wind and solar parks, respectively, BRF is advancing toward its commitment to source 100% renewable electricity by 2030 (50% of its electricity already comes from renewable sources).

To integrate producers into its sustainability agenda, the company partnered with financial institutions to fund the installation of solar panels on the properties of its integrated producers. Currently, more than 1,500 producers are already generating solar energy. Beyond the environmental benefit, the transition has provided them with an average 95% reduction in energy costs. The total energy generated by these properties is equivalent to the consumption of a city of 230,000 inhabitants. “We are working in partnership with our suppliers and integrated producers, engaging them in our journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” concludes Paulo Pianez.