Metrics and targets

Targets in connection with climate mitigation and adaptation to climate change

Bechtle’s reduction targets are distributed across the various emission categories along the value chain according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG)

They are in line with the 1.5 °C target of the Paris Climate Agreement and have been validated by the SBTi in 2025. The figures refer to a cross-sector emissions pathway. Bechtle undertakes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in categories Scope 1 and 2 by 54.4 per cent in absolute terms by 2030 and to reduce Scope 3 emissions from the categories “Purchased goods and services” and “Use of sold products” by 55 per cent per €1,000 of value added in terms of intensity by 2030. The basis for comparison is the year 2019, which was chosen as a representative base year for Bechtle as no special effects, including those due to Covid-19 pandemic, distort the CO₂ balance. The emissions categories relevant to Bechtle are included in the base year: Scope 1 fleet emissions and heating, Scope 2 electricity market-related and district heating as well as Scope 3.1, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.9, 3.11 and 3.12.

The absolute reference target value in the target year 2030 is derived from the target value calculation according to the absolute contraction approach (ACA) in accordance with SBTi for Scope 1 and 2. For this purpose, the emissions in the base year 2019 are multiplied by the target reduction in per cent according to the 1.5° C scenario, taking into account possible forward looking ambition (FLA) adjustments. The reference target value for Scope 3.1 and 3.11 follows the economic intensity targets approach of SBTi.

In the long term, Bechtle is aiming for net-zero by 2050. This includes a 90 per cent reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions and a 97 per cent reduction in Scope 3.1 and Scope 3.11 emissions per €1,000 of value added. Remaining emissions are to be neutralised.

We collect our energy data annually as part of our sustainability reporting and calculate our Scope 1–3 categories. The calculations follow the requirements of the GHG Protocol. In Scope 1 and 2, a consumption-based approach is pursued using primary data. Using existing consumption data, the emissions are calculated using the emission factors of DEFRA (Department for Environmental, Food & Rural Affairs, UK) and the European Residual Mix of AIB (Association of Issuing Bodies). In Scope 3, the calculations are essentially based on expenditure-based approaches that fulfil the requirements of the GHG. Depending on the category, the calculation was refined using available activity data (including quantities and volumes). For Scope 3.1, a hybrid calculation method was used, in which available CO₂e values per product group and manufacturer-specific, expenditure-based emission factors are used. Of this, 77 per cent (2024: 79 per cent) are based on primary data from manufacturers in the form of analysed product carbon footprint (PCF) information. Updates to the calculation methodology based on data refinements are implemented retrospectively up to the base year in accordance with the GHG Protocol. This allows us to measure our progress annually and readjust and intensify actions if necessary. The development of energy consumption and emissions is analysed by Corporate Sustainability Management and in collaboration with Real Estate and Fleet Management, Procurement and Logistics in order to derive the actions required to achieve the targets. The objectives were developed taking into account the scientific requirements of SBTi and the findings from the materiality analysis as part of the stakeholder interviews.

Net-zero target by 2050

In Scope 1 and 2, we have committed to reducing emissions by 90 per cent by 2050.

Energy consumption and energy mix

Figures for energy consumption in the areas of electricity, district heating and heating resources can only be provided as forecast values for the 2025 reporting period. This is due to the downstream billing of energy suppliers. Forecasts are designated as such. The forecasts are determined on the basis of the consumption values of the previous years and the FTE development for a growth consideration of Bechtle. For this purpose, the actual consumption of previous years is set in relation to the headcount and forecast for the reporting period. The share of electricity from renewable energy was 55 per cent in 2024. Based on the forecast values, a share of 55 per cent was calculated for 2025. We have assumed this for the calculation of the forecast; we can report district heating from renewable energy for the headquarters in Neckarsulm. This accounts for around 44 per cent of total district heating. Total energy consumption from fossil and nuclear sources relates to electricity (excluding electricity from renewable sources), fuels, heating resources and district heating (outside the headquarters). The following table provides an overview of energy consumption:

Gross GHG emissions for Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 categories, as well as total GHG emissions

We follow the approaches of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) when calculating our direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The GHG Protocol distinguishes between three categories of GHG emissions, known as Scopes: According to this distinction, the heating energy from fossil fuels used in our buildings and the emissions emitted by the Bechtle vehicle fleet belong to Scope 1. Scope 2 includes emissions from energy sources such as electricity and district heating that we procure externally.

Scope 3 emissions relate to those activities that occur in the upstream and downstream value chain. In the 2021 Bechtle Sustainability Report, we calculated Bechtle’s indirect Scope 3 emissions for the first time. As a first step, we carried out a materiality analysis of the 15 Scope 3 categories according to the GHG and identified the following nine as relevant for Bechtle:

Scope 3.1: Purchased goods and services
Scope 3.3: Fuel and energy-related emissions (not in Scope 1 and 2)
Scope 3.4: Upstream transport and distribution
Scope 3.5: Waste
Scope 3.6: Business travel
Scope 3.7: Employee commuting
Scope 3.9: Transport and distribution downstream
Scope 3.11: Use of sold products
Scope 3.12: End-of-life treatment of sold products

The following tables show the emissions identified for Bechtle in Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3. All of the Bechtle Group entities are fully consolidated.

Notes on the calculation of emissions:

Bechtle reports greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the GHG Protocol and uses publicly available emission factors from DEFRA, AIB and manufacturer- and Bechtle-specific factors, which are updated annually. The balance is calculated in kg CO₂e and takes into account potentially significant gases such as CO₂, CH₄ and N₂O. The recalculation of the base year in the context of the GHG follows a fixed internal recalculation guideline. If there are significant structural or methodological changes in the entity or significant errors in the emissions calculation that affect greenhouse gas emissions, the base year is recalculated (significance threshold of 2 per cent of Bechtle’s total emissions in the base year 2019). The amendments for the recalculation of the base year are analysed cumulatively in accordance with the GHG Protocol. Smaller effects over several years are considered cumulatively and summarised. This serves to maintain the consistency and relevance of the reporting. The review of whether the significance threshold has been exceeded is carried out annually. The significance threshold of 2 per cent was exceeded cumulatively in 2024 due to acquisitions. As a result, the emissions were recalculated for the base year 2019 and previous years. The emission factor per FTE determined for the base year 2019 was used as a standardised basis. This was then multiplied by the number of FTEs added annually in the course of the new acquisitions in order to determine the additional emissions. The total effect in 2019 was 295,712 tonnes of CO₂e (Scope 1: 3,314 tonnes of CO₂e, Scope 2: 1,471 tonnes of CO₂e, Scope 3: 290,927 tonnes of CO₂e) and 56,702 tonnes of CO₂e in 2024 (Scope 1: 478 tonnes of CO₂e, Scope 2: 75 tonnes of CO₂e, Scope 3: 56,149 tonnes of CO₂e).

Emission values marked with ¹ can only be given as forecast values for the 2025 reporting period. This is due to after-the-fact downstream billing by energy suppliers. Forecasts are designated as such. These are determined on the basis of the actual emissions of previous years and the FTE development for a growth consideration of Bechtle. For this purpose, the actual emissions of previous years are set in relation to the number of own workforce and forecast for the reporting period. The prior-year values for 2024 were updated and replaced with actual 2024 data instead of forecast values.

The reduction in emissions in the area of water in 2021 is from a halving of the emission factor in accordance with UK Government GHG conversion factors for company reporting.

A hybrid calculation method was used for Scope 3.1, in which available CO₂e values per product group and manufacturer-specific, expenditure-based emission factors are used. Of this, 77 per cent (2024: 79 per cent) are based on primary data from manufacturers in the form of analysed PCF information.

Bechtle does not currently have an internal CO₂ pricing system. There are currently no plans to introduce such a system.