Extra MSA Group has become the first motorway service operator to have its carbon targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero Standard. The targets commit Extra MSA to achieve net-zero across its operations and buildings by 2040, and across its supply chain by 2050.
The motorway services operator has committed near–term targets to:
- Reduce in-use operational greenhouse gas emissions from owned and leased buildings by 51.7% by 2030.
- Reduce absolute non-building related scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030.
Extra MSA has also committed to reduce in-use operational greenhouse gas emissions from owned and leased buildings by 98.7% by 2040.
The targets were approved according to the SBTi’s new Buildings Sectoral Decarbonisation Approach, which sets ambitious goals for emission reductions and commits the motorway operator to eliminating new fossil fuel equipment.
The company’s real estate emissions represent its greatest opportunity for decarbonisation, accounting for 89% of Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and 76% of Scope 3 emissions. Extra MSA will also measure its carbon footprint using a location-based approach, excluding green energy tariffs from its progress metrics.
Since the launch of its ESG strategy in 2024, Extra MSA has taken significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint. Initiatives include the installation of rooftop solar panels at Cobham services, the replacement of gas boilers with air source heat pumps at Baldock services, and the upgrade of building management systems and motors across its portfolio.
To accelerate its decarbonisation, the company aims to maximise its on-site solar generation, transition 100% of its Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment and vehicle fleet to efficient electric power, and collaborate with tenants to replace fossil fuel-based equipment and implement refrigerants with low global warming potential.
The SBTi is a corporate climate action organisation that develops standards, tools and guidance to enable companies to set meaningful greenhouse gas emission reduction targets in line with climate science.
Michael Grantham, ESG Manager at Extra MSA, says: “By establishing science-based targets, we have developed clear objectives for decarbonisation and are committed to ongoing investment in our portfolio to meet this net zero trajectory. Being the first motorway service operator in the UK to have our targets approved demonstrates our commitment to being transparent about how we measure emissions and leading the way for the transport sector to continue progressing toward achieving a net-zero future.
“We believe that resilient and fruitful collaborations with our partners across the supply chain and across our estate, will help us fulfil our long-term vision to create and operate the most sustainable motorway service areas in the country.”
Extra MSA’s Science Based Targets in Full Detail:
Overall Net-Zero Target: Extra MSA Group commits to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the value chain by 2050.
Near-Term Targets: Extra MSA Group commits to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 in-use operational GHG emissions of owned and leased buildings, covering downstream leased assets, 51.7% per m2 by 2030 from a 2023 base year. Extra MSA Group also commits to install no new fossil fuel equipment that are owned or financially controlled by the company in its buildings portfolio from January 1, 2030. Extra MSA Group further commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 42.0% by 2030 from a 2023 base year.
Long-Term Targets: Extra MSA Group commits to reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 in-use operational GHG emissions of owned and leased buildings, covering downstream leased assets, 98.7% per m2 by 2040 from a 2023 base year. Extra MSA Group also commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 90.0% within the same timeframe. Extra MSA Group further commits to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, capital goods and fuel- and energy-related activities 90.0% by 2050 from a 2023 base year