UPM is reducing CO2 emissions through green energy production, climate-positive forestry and significant investments to support the conversion of energy systems in Europe.
Climate Change
To help prevent climate change, we are changing.
We’re taking up the challenge of climate change head-on.
Why is it important to address climate change
The most significant cause of climate change is the burning of fossil fuels, which emits greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. This leads to global warming, a gradual rise in overall temperature, which impacts the living conditions of our planet. Since global warming is primarily caused by increased levels of carbon dioxide and other gases, it is key to climate change mitigation that we limit our emissions. At UPM Communication Papers, we have defined three focus areas for climate change mitigation: green energy production, climate-positive forestry, and supporting energy transition systems.
The strength of our resolve
1. GLOBAL WARMING
COMMITTED TO LIMITING THE RISE TO 1.5°C
UPM is proud to have joined the United Nations’ ‘Business Ambition for 1.5 °C – Our Only Future‘ campaign. We have signed the UN’s pledge for companies to take science-based measures to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 °C. UPM is one of the first global forest industry companies to make this commitment.
2. CO2 EMISSIONS
DEDICATED TO ACHIEVING A 65% REDUCTION
To reach this target, we have announced significant investments in a combined heat and power plant and a biomass fired boiler at two of our German mill sites. These two investments alone are expected to reduce UPM’s CO2 emissions by 400,000 tonnes per year.
3. RENEWABLE ENERGY
TARGETED INVESTMENTS SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES
UPM Communication Papers established a direct link to a major solar park in the UK and signed a long-term agreement with a wind park developer in Germany. Together, these initiatives will help to reduce CO2 emissions by 402,500 tonnes annually, while promoting societies transition to a renewable energy supply.
4. GRID STABILITY
BUILDING A STABLE RENEWABLE ENERGY GRID
UPM Communication Papers is an industry front-runner in three European research projects which are aimed at stabilising the renewable energy grid. Several of our paper mills adjust their production to match the availability of highly volatile renewable energy and utilise energy side-streams from industrial production.
5. GROWING CARBON SINKS
INCREASING GLOBAL FORESTS TO ABSORB CO2 EMISSIONS
By promoting sustainable forestry and planting trees, UPM has helped European forests expand by 11 million hectares in the last 20 years – that’s larger than the size of Iceland. In the same amount of time, UPM has planted 147,000 hectares of forests on degraded grazing land in South America, creating storage for 24 million tonnes of carbon.
Discover the true value of a carbon footprint
Find out what a carbon footprint really is, its limitations and how we use carbon footprints as part of our approach to mitigating climate change.
Learn more about carbon footprints
Sustainable energy supply for a healthy climate
UPM Communication Papers takes a next step towards the 65% CO2 emission reduction goal by 2030 and invests in a sustainable future.
White paper on Publishing and Climate Change: How the industry is taking action!
Like other sectors, the publishing industry has an incentive to help mitigate the consequences of climate change. Read how publishers such as Condé Nast and TI Media have acted to respond to climate change and find out some examples of best practice and innovative solutions from across the industry.
Energy transition
Energy transition is one of our priorities in mitigating climate change. Learn more about our approach and our actions.
UPM electrifies heat and steam production at its mills in Finland and Germany
Read more
Circularity, fuel efficiency, and sustainability: A first look at the combined heat and power plant at UPM Nordland Papier
Read more
New wind park will supply UPM’s Finnish paper mills with sustainable power from early 2023
Read more
To help prevent climate change, we are changing.
Dive deeper into our sustainability agenda
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