SAS joins Government of Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge

Program recognizes SAS’ environmental strategy and 2050 net-zero emission reduction target.

Data and AI leader, SAS, is one of the latest companies to sign up to Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge.

The Net-Zero Challenge is an initiative that encourages businesses in Canada to develop and implement credible and effective plans to transition their operations to net-zero emissions by 2050. Participating companies and organizations have access to a community of practice around net-zero planning in Canada where ideas and best practices can be shared and participants can collaborate to further their own net-zero plans.

“I would like to congratulate SAS on joining the Net-Zero Challenge. Since the program launched in August 2022, over 230 companies and organizations have joined, positioning themselves as sustainable economy leaders. Canadian innovators like SAS are contributing to building a strong and competitive 21^st Century economy,” said The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

SAS has SBTi [Science Based Targets initiative]-validated net-zero commitments to reduce absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions by 90% by 2050, and interim progress targets against a 2018 base year. SAS is also committed to offsetting residual emissions by 2050 to achieve net-zero emissions.

Before relocating to its current office in downtown Toronto at 181 Bay Street in 2022, SAS built and occupied a notable green building located at 280 King Street East, which was recognized for its environmentally sustainable design and energy efficiency. It was the first LEED-certified new office building in Canada and the third SAS building to achieve LEED Platinum certification.

With rainwater harvesting and energy conservation measures saving more than 6 million kWh of energy per year, the SAS building has served as an inspiration for many other new buildings in Toronto.

“SAS is honored to join the growing number of organizations recognizing the importance of climate action and committing to Canada’s Net-Zero Challenge,” said Jerry Williams, SAS Chief Environmental Officer. “Reducing environmental impacts and ensuring the continued availability of natural resources is a shared responsibility that starts with intentional and ambitious goals and actions.” 

Other sustainability highlights from SAS

• SAS has reduced absolute emissions across all scopes by 44% over the 2018 base year, and 4.1% from the prior year.
• For Earth Day 2023, employees participated in on-site, hands-on tours of the SAS apiaries to learn more about beekeeping and the importance of pollinators in the ecosystem. SAS has more than 50 beehives at on-site apiaries in its Cary, Australia, Canada, UK, France, Sweden and Netherlands offices.
• SAS Canada/Toronto made 553 sandwiches in just over an hour and delivered them to the local Good Shepherd Social Impact & Responsibility 44 Ministries homeless shelter, which served the sandwiches the same day as part of its meal program.
• SAS Canada also celebrated Movember with a shave-off event, and as part of the Movember campaign, SAS teams raised more than $16,000 to support men’s physical and mental health.
• Employees in the Ottawa office donated toys to the Toy Mountain Program and volunteered by helping sort, organize and pack them. Each year, Toy Mountain and the local Salvation Army provide toys to more than 27,500 children.

Learn what makes the company a sustainability leader and read the latest SAS Corporate Social Responsibility report.

About SAS

SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative software and services, SAS empowers and inspires customers around the world to transform data into intelligence. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW^®.

The Canadian subsidiary of SAS has been in operation since 1988. Headquartered in Toronto, SAS employs more than 200 people across the country. For more information, please visit www.sas.com/canada.

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