Energy plays a pivotal role in the urgent climate challenge. The reliance on fossil fuels for electricity and heat remains a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. As per our Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP), we are making significant strides to transform our energy mix globally, including at Kalurghat Factory (KGF), the birthplace of Unilever Bangladesh.
Taking Bold Action Against Climate Change
Fossil fuels—like coal, oil, and gas—are the primary drivers of global climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and almost 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions. The science is clear: to mitigate the severe impacts of climate change, we must reduce emissions from fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy sources. The UN has called for a nearly 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 and aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this, we must lessen our reliance on fossil fuels and invest in clean, accessible, affordable, sustainable, and dependable alternative energy sources.
At Unilever, our Climate Transition Action Plan (CTAP) aims to reduce absolute operational greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 100% globally before 2030, using 2015 as our baseline. We are increasing our global renewable energy capacity within our supply chain to achieve this ambitious goal. Additionally, we are investing in advanced technology to ensure energy conservation across all our operations, including in Bangladesh.
Global Strategy, Local Action
A significant portion of our carbon footprint in Bangladesh arises from our manufacturing operations, where KGF plays a crucial role. For the past six decades, KGF has exemplified Unilever's commitment to manufacturing excellence in Bangladesh. As one of the country’s legacy facilities, KGF adheres to global standards and is recognised for pioneering sustainable manufacturing practices- a legacy we take pride in. One notable example of this is the introduction of renewable energy.
Our journey in energy conservation began in 2010 with the installation of the first solar panel at KGF. Since then, we have gradually increased our solar capacity to 105 kWh. Although we aimed to achieve more, several challenges, the most significant of which was the scarcity of land, limited our ability to expand the solar capacity as quickly as we had hoped. However, we are continuously exploring innovative solutions to overcome such challenges.
Collaborating for a Brighter Future
The evolution of solar technology provides new opportunities for us. As these innovations are gradually becoming available in Bangladesh, we continue to seek avenues to expand our renewable energy capacity. In December 2024, we partnered with Solaric, a group of renewable energy development companies based in Singapore, with a subsidiary in Bangladesh - to implement large-scale industrial rooftop solar projects. Through this partnership, Solaric will help Unilever Bangladesh add 785 kWh of solar capacity at KGF, enhancing its capabilities by sevenfold. This expansion will reduce our carbon footprint and will contribute to a cleaner environment, that benefits the local communities.
Towards a Sustainable Tomorrow
Unilever Bangladesh is actively working to decarbonise its operations through smart investments in green technology. We have made significant strides in energy conservation by upgrading to modern equipment and improving our energy generation, consumption, and conservation practices. Our new power purchase agreement with Solaric will play a pivotal role in these ongoing efforts, helping us to contribute to a sustainable future for Bangladesh while advancing our vision of achieving net zero emissions.