Linde Publishes 2023 Sustainable Development Report

Rhea-AI Summary

Linde (Nasdaq:LIN) has released its 2023 Sustainable Development Report, highlighting significant progress in sustainability initiatives. The company reduced its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 4.4% compared to the 2021 baseline for its 2035 target. Linde helped customers avoid 91 million tons of CO2 equivalent, more than double its own emissions. The company saved 500 million gallons of water and diverted 250 million pounds of waste from landfills.

Linde introduced new sustainability commitments for 2024, including a $3 billion investment to decarbonize its operations, a 20% reduction in water withdrawal intensity at high-use sites in water-stressed areas, and expansion of its Zero Waste Program globally. The company also plans to implement sustainable development training across its workforce.

Positive

• Reduced absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 4.4% compared to 2021 baseline
• Helped customers avoid 91 million tons of CO2 equivalent, more than double its own emissions
• Saved 500 million gallons of water through sustainable productivity initiatives
• Diverted 250 million pounds of waste from landfills through Zero Waste Program
• Committed to invest $3 billion in decarbonizing operations
• Set target to reduce water withdrawal intensity by 20% at high water use sites in stressed areas
• Expanding Zero Waste Program to all production sites globally

Negative

• None.

Insights

Sustainability Expert

Linde's 2023 Sustainability Report showcases significant progress in their environmental and social initiatives, but the impact on investor sentiment may be . The $3 billion commitment to decarbonization is substantial, yet it's spread over an unspecified timeframe, potentially diluting its immediate financial impact.

The 4.4% reduction in absolute greenhouse gas emissions since 2021 is noteworthy, but it's important to contextualize this against industry peers and global climate targets. The avoided emissions for customers, at 91 million tons CO2e, is impressive and could potentially lead to increased demand for Linde's services in a carbon-conscious market.

The new sustainability commitments, including the 20% reduction in water withdrawal intensity and global expansion of the Zero Waste Program, demonstrate Linde's proactive approach. However, these initiatives may incur short-term costs before yielding long-term benefits.

Investors should note that while these sustainability efforts are commendable, their direct impact on short-term financial performance may be minimal. The real value lies in long-term risk mitigation, potential regulatory compliance and enhanced brand reputation, which could translate to sustained growth and market leadership in the industrial gases sector.

Financial Analyst

From a financial perspective, Linde's sustainability report offers direct impact on near-term financials. The $3 billion commitment to decarbonization is significant, but without a clear timeline, it's challenging to assess its annual impact on capital expenditures and cash flow.

The company's efforts in sustainable productivity, saving 500 million gallons of water and diverting 250 million pounds of waste, likely contribute to operational efficiency and cost savings. However, the magnitude of these savings relative to Linde's overall financial picture isn't specified.

Investors should consider the potential for these sustainability initiatives to create long-term value through:

• Enhanced operational efficiency and cost reduction
• Improved risk management, particularly regarding future environmental regulations
• Strengthened market position in low-carbon solutions, potentially driving revenue growth

While the report doesn't provide specific financial metrics, it suggests a strategic approach to sustainability that could support Linde's competitive position and long-term profitability. However, short-term investors may not see immediate financial implications from these initiatives.

WOKING, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / July 29, 2024 / Linde (Nasdaq:LIN) announced today it has published its 2023 Sustainable Development Report. The report details Linde's progress towards its sustainability goals and outlines additional targets.

At the end of 2023, Linde had reduced its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 4.4% compared with the 2021 baseline for its 2035 emissions reduction target. Linde also helped its customers avoid 91 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023, more than double its own emissions. Sustainable productivity initiatives helped save 500 million gallons of water, and Linde diverted more than 250 million pounds of waste from landfill as part of its Zero Waste Program. The company continued its strategic efforts to increase social resilience and delivered nearly 600 employee community engagement programs that benefitted more than 350,000 people globally.

Linde's 2023 Sustainable Development Report incorporates new sustainability commitments starting in 2024, including a target to spend an additional $3 billion on decarbonizing Linde's own operations. Linde will also reduce water withdrawal intensity by 20%*, extend its Zero Waste Program to all production sites globally and is implementing sustainable development training across its workforce.

"We continue to perform well against our longer-term goals, including our 35 by 35 science-based target," said Tamara Brown, Vice President Sustainability, Linde. "Having already achieved several of our 2028 targets well ahead of time, we have augmented our existing goals with ambitious new targets in decarbonization, waste, water and sustainability awareness. We have seen a strong start to 2024 and look forward to maintaining this momentum, setting our standards even higher while listening to our stakeholders."

* at high water use sites in areas of high water stress.

About Linde

Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2023 sales of $33 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain, decarbonize and protect our planet.

The company serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde's industrial gases and technologies are used in countless applications including production of clean hydrogen and carbon capture systems critical to the energy transition, life-saving medical oxygen and high-purity & specialty gases for electronics. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.

For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com

Contacts:
Investor Relations Juan Pelaez Phone: +1 203 837 2213 Email: juan.pelaez@linde.com	Media Relations Anna Davies Phone: +44 1483 244705 Email: anna.davies@linde.com

SOURCE: Linde plc

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What were Linde's (LIN) key sustainability achievements in 2023?

In 2023, Linde reduced its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 4.4%, helped customers avoid 91 million tons of CO2 equivalent, saved 500 million gallons of water, and diverted 250 million pounds of waste from landfills.

What new sustainability commitments has Linde (LIN) announced for 2024?

Linde announced plans to invest $3 billion in decarbonizing operations, reduce water withdrawal intensity by 20% at high-use sites in water-stressed areas, extend its Zero Waste Program globally, and implement sustainable development training across its workforce.

How much did Linde (LIN) help its customers reduce their carbon emissions in 2023?

Linde helped its customers avoid 91 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2023, which is more than double the company's own emissions.

What is Linde's (LIN) target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2035?

Linde has a science-based target called '35 by 35,' which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2035, compared to a 2021 baseline.