Imperial Brands has been recognised as a global leader for engaging with its suppliers on reducing carbon emissions and tackling climate change.

The business is among an elite group of fewer than 400 companies to be included on the 2020 Supplier Engagement Leaderboard compiled by environmental non-profit organisation CDP.

Just seven per cent of the 9,600 companies who made climate change submissions to CDP last year have made it to the Leaderboard, and this is the second successive year that Imperial has been included.

In December, Imperial maintained its position on the CDP’s Climate ‘A List’ for its actions to cut emissions and mitigate climate risks. We were also pleased to achieve a score of A- from CDP for minimising water use.

All companies responding to the annual CDP climate change questionnaire receive a Supplier Engagement Rating (SER) in addition to their climate change score. The SER measures how effectively companies engage their suppliers on climate change through an assessment of governance, targets, scope 3 emissions, and value chain engagement.

Stefan Bomhard, Chief Executive of Imperial Brands, said: “We are pleased to once again be recognised by CDP for our focus on climate and energy, this time for the work we are doing with our suppliers to help minimise their carbon footprint. This reflects further great efforts from employees across the business and their commitment to deliver our ESG agenda.”

Sonya Bhonsle, Global Head of Value Chains at CDP, said: “Meaningful corporate climate action means engaging with suppliers to reduce emissions across the value chain.

“Despite the challenges from COVID-19, in 2020 nearly 400 companies achieved a place on CDP's Supplier Engagement Leaderboard. Congratulations to these companies – as a Supplier Engagement Leaders, they are driving the transition towards the net-zero sustainable economy.”

For more information see Reducing our Environmental Impact