SUSTAINABILITY LIBRARY 2022
Climate
The Group will work purposefully to reduce our climate footprint both internally and for our partners.

The Group is measuring its climate footprint (scope 1 & 2) for the whole Group, and have started mapping and gathering information to further reduce CO2 e for all activities, including those carried out by our partners - from raw materials for  fish feed, to transport to the end consumer (scope 3).

The Group is identifying which activities our emissions come from and where we can reduce our emission. The Group is switching from diesel to renewable energy (hydropower) on almost all feed barges.

The Group's investments in an efficient and modern value chain are also helping to reduce energy use at the factories and locations along the coast. The Group's fleet renewal has given the company one of the most modern trawler fleets in the world, with more effective energy use and also higher utilisation of the residual raw materials on board.

Air transport to overseas markets is a substantial contributor to the Group's total greenhouse gas emissions, and the Group has initiated a project which will address this issue. Lerøy is also aware of  that the biggest potential for reduction in CO2 e emissions is in fish feed, which constitutes 42 % of the Group's total CO2 emissions.

The Group therefore works closely together with partners and stakeholders to be prime movers when it comes to both testing and implementing new fish feed raw materials.

The Group uses precautionary principle to guide its environmental and climate related planning activities, decision making process and actions.

Climate

Climate

We are committed to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from our operations.

We are committed to reducing the greenhouse gas emissions from our direct and indirect operations.

The Group reports its Greenhouse Gas emissions according to Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting Standard.

Lerøy reports its Scope 1 (Direct emissions from own or controlled sources), Scope 2 (Indirect emissions from the generation from purchased energy and Scope 3 (indirect emissions (not included in scope 1 and 2) that occur in the value chain of Lerøy, including both upstream and downstream emissions) emissions.

The Group has set a Science Based Target which is approved by The Steering Committee of The Science Based Targets initiative.

By committing to a Science Based Target, The Group has set a clear direction for its emission reductions throughout the entire value chain. Both the company's Board, Group management and employees are supporting the goals that have been set and will work together as "One Lerøy" to ensure that we achieve the defined goals.

 “Lerøy Seafood Group ASA commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions 46% by 2030 from a 2019 base year.”

The target is aligned with a 1,5 degrees C pathway.

NB! The Group is currently re-calculating its Science Based Target base year (2019) and will deliver its re-calculated application to Science-Based Targets Initiative. Lerøy Seafood Group will also set a Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) science-based target and deliver an application to Science Based Targets Initiative according to Science Based Targets recommendations and given time frameworks.

By introducing Science Based Targets, The Group has set a clear direction for its emission reductions throughout the entire value chain. Both the company's Board, Group management and employees are supporting the goals that have been set and will work together through "One Lerøy" to ensure that we achieve the goals that have been set.

MAIN GOAL:

 “Lerøy Seafood Group ASA commits to reduce absolute scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions 46% by 2030 from a 2019 base year.”

The target is aligned with a 1,5 degrees C pathway.

Climate

Greenhouse gas emissions

Greenhouse gas emissions

 

Emissions

Lerøy Seafood Group («Lerøy») is continuously working on improving its monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions.  In 2022 The Company carried out an extensive project which aimed to improve Lerøy’s reporting processes and practices. The Group has developed its reporting routines, however we acknowledge that we need to focus on further improvement of quality of the reported data to ensure that it is more accurate, complete and transparent.

Information regarding our greenhouse gas emissions is crucial for understanding and responding to environmental challenges as well as to being able to identify improvement opportunities.

The Group has completed a comprehensive analysis of climate related risks and opportunities which the Group is facing over short, medium and long term. The analysis has confirmed the importance of measuring, monitoring and reporting on our environmental performance.

Lerøy has set ambitious science-based targets to reduce our carbon footprint: We aim to reduce our CO2e emissions by 46% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. (ref: Climate Policy). Lerøy has defined 2019 as the base year for our science-based climate target as this was the first year all operating segments in the Group were conducting greenhouse gas emission reporting for Scope 1, 2 and 3. 

The Group’s operating segments are the following:

  • Wild Catch
  • Farming
  • Value Added Processing, Sales and Distribution.

The reported emission figures have been collected throughout 2022 from relevant suppliers via invoices and are based on the same data sources as the figures reported in Lerøy’s 2021 annual report.   

Lerøy’s greenhouse gas emissions are reported in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard. The Group accounts for Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions over which it has operational control. Reporting units account for their use of fossil fuels, refrigerants, electricity, district heating/cooling, water usage, waste composition (incl. methods of waste disposal). Climate account statements are consolidated in the same manner as financial statements showing aggregated results for the Group’s entities (reporting units).

The Group’s Scope 3 emissions are reported in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3)). The Group has mapped its “carbon hotspots” and identified the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions which are included in the Group’s Scope 3 climate accounts. For more detailed information, please, see table Scope 3 Overview per Category below.

 

Emission factors

Emissions data for Scope 1, 2 and 3 covers reporting of the following greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). The Group has not reported any biogenic CO2 emissions in Scope 1 or Scope 3 in 2022. We will hold off  doing so until the methodology on how to calculate biogenic emissions will become more established.

Sources for Scope 1 emission factors used for calculation of tCO2e are DEFRA (Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government), 2022, National Standard Emission Factors (Norwegian Environment Agency), 24th February 2015, Linde Gas (Industrial gasses) 2022, A-gas Product information guide, product information summary-refrigeration Library - refrigerants - A-gas product information guide, 2022.

The source for location-based Scope 2 emission factors used for calculation of CO2e is the International Energy Agency (IEA) for 2022. The factors used are based on national gross electricity production mixes on a 3 year rolling average. The Nordic electricity mix used to calculate the Group’s location-based Scope 2 emissions is based on 2022 factors. The Nordic electricity mix factor is developed by Cemasys (sustainability consultancy company and service provider for registration and calculation of climate accounts) and covers the weighted production in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark reflecting the common Nord Pool market area. Emission factors per fuel type are based on assumption in the IEA methodological framework. Factors for district heating/cooling are either based on actual (local) production mixes, or average IEA stat.

The Group has purchased Guarantees of Origin (GOs) in 2022. Information regarding companies which have purchased GOs as well as the percentage share that covers the consumption is indicated in the reporting files (Cemasys).

Regarding market-based emissions – the choice of emission factor using this method is determined by whether the business acquires Guarantees of Origin or not. For electricity without the GOs, the emission factor is based on the remaining electricity production after all GOs for renewable energy are sold. This is residual mix, which is normally substantially higher than the location-based factor.

Sources for Scope 3 emission factors used for calculation of tCO2e are DEFRA (Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government) 2022, Greenhouse gas emissions of Norwegian seafood products in 2017, SINTEF study, Emission factors from fish feed producers 2022, Database Ecoinvent 3.8 (2022) as well as supplier specific emission factors.

The tables provide a summary of  key consumption figures for fossil fuels and electricity as well as greenhouse gas emissions (tco2e) per segment and in total.

TOTAL CONSUMPTION OF FOSSILE FUELS (SCOPE 1)

 

Scope 3 Overview per category (2022)

 

CATEGORY*

DESCRIPTION

tCO2e (to be added when the numbers are audited)

1.

Purchased goods and services

The consumption data is based on purchased volumes throughout the year. Data on fish feed carbon intensity is collected from relevant fish feed suppliers.

EPS boxes (Styrofoam boxes with lids). Information regarding EPS boxes (number, type, properties) is collected from the Group’s companies throughout the year.

Plastic bags/sheets and single use hygiene plastic items. Information regarding plastic bags/sheets  and single use hygiene plastic items is collected from the Group’s companies throughout the year.

Vacuum packaging/film. Information regarding vacuum packaging/film is collected from the Group’s companies throughout the year.

Cardboard/carton boxes. Information regarding cardboard/carton boxes  is collected from the Group’s companies throughout the year.

Rope and feeding tubes. Information regarding rope and feeding tubes is collected from the Group’s companies throughout the year.

Municipal water. Information regarding consumed municipal water is collected from the Group's companies throughout the year.

 

 

 

2.

Capital goods

Information regarding used construction materials (concrete and steel used in supplementary construction of Belsvik facility (Lerøy Midt). Belsvik facility is a hatchery-produced (on-growing) fish facility. The facility was extended with a post smolt facility in 2022.

 

3.

Fuel and energy related activities

Well to Tank (WTT)**. Calculations based on the existing consumption data volumes collected from the Group’s companies throughout the year. The calculation is based on the reported consumption data for Scope 1 and 2 (for more detailed information, see table Total Consumption of Fossil Fuels (Scope 1).

 

4.

Upstream transportation and distribution (outbound transportation)

Transportation services (sea transportation,  service boats, well boats***). Consumption data collected from sea transportation/ well- boat service providers (calculations include WTT).

Transportation of produced products to customers. Information collected from the Group’s Logistics department. The calculations are based on distance from capital to capital. The emission factors used are determined by type of transportation mode.

 

5.

Waste generated in operations

Waste - data on  waste volumes, waste composition (incl. methods of waste disposal) is collected from the Group’s companies throughout the year.

 

6.

Business travel

Air travel (business travel by air) -  information regarding distances traveled is collected from travel agent the Group uses (including WTT).

 

7.

Employee commuting    

Employee commuting – estimation based on SSB (Statistisk Sentralbyrå) for Norwegian operations, TRAFA (Transport Analysis) for Swedish operations, and STATISTA for operations in the Netherlands. For all other operations - INSEE statistics as well as official government websites are used.

 

8.

Upstream leased assets

N/A 

-

9.

Downstream transportation and distribution

Downstream transportation and distribution  - transportation of  products carried out by the customers themselves. Information collected from the Group’s Logistics department. The calculations are based on distance from capital to capital. The emission factors used are determined by the mode of transportation.

-

10.

Processing of sold products

Processing of sold products – calculations consist of two parts –  part one - estimated use of electricity for storage of fish in the country of consumption before the product is sold to end consumer. Part two – estimated emissions related to third party processing.

 

11.

Use of sold products

N/A

-

12.

End-of-life treatment of sold products

End of life treatment –  organic waste estimated share (%) of non-edible fish.

 

13.

Downstream leased assets 

N/A

-

14.

Franchises  

N/A

-

15.

Investments

N/A

-

*For more detailed information regarding the categories, please visit Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting standard

**A Well-to-Tank emissions factor, also known as upstream or indirect emissions, is an average of all the GHG emissions released into the atmosphere from the production, processing and delivery of a fuel or energy vector.

*** Well-boat services are classified as Scope 3 emissions since Lerøy does not have operational control over the leased assets held under an operating lease.

 

 

 

  Unit 2018 2019 2020 2021
Farming          
Diesel liters 2 262 514 2 591 190 2 654 552 2 893 492
Marine gas oil (MGO) liters 3 540 849 3 656 064 3 525 430 3 461 428
Petrol liters 189 287 264 596 414 031 471 823
Biodiesel fuel (HVO) liters - - -
LPG (Propane) kg - - - -

Fuel oil

liters 26 202 84 271 206 904 45 916
Refrigerants kg 228 1 670 478 379
           
Wild catch          
Diesel liters 3 192  9 781 8 033  10 798
Marine gas oil (MGO) liters 36 538 544 35 559 152 38 723 297

43 309 534

LPG (Propane) kg 1 502 211 780

2 013

LPG (Propane) liters - 203 1 136 -
Petrol liters - - 503 486
Refrigerants kg 504 - - -
           

VAP, Sales and Distribution

         
Diesel liters 196 923 558 697 404 058 476 053
Petrol liters 25 154 24 260 28 087 44 521

Natural gas

m3 18 620 24 266 78 553 189 628
LPG (Propane) kg 957 50 935 53 825 36 588
LPG (Propane) liters - - 132 -
Fuel oil liters 19 254 17 525 18 051 21 795
Refrigerants kg 74 3 93 1 680
           

The Group

         

Diesel

liters 2 462 629 3 159 669 3 066 643 3 380 334
Marine gas oil (MGO) liters 40 079 393 39 183 756 42 248 727 46 770 962
Petrol liters 214 441 288 856 442 621 516 830
Biodiesel fuel (HVO) liters - - - -
Natural gas m3 18 620 24 266 78 553 189 628
LPG (Propane) kg 2 459 51 146 54 605 38 601
LPG (Propane) liters - 203 1 268 -
Fuel oil liters 45 456 101 796 224 955 67 711
Refrigerants kg 806 1 673 571 2 059

 

TOTAL CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRICITY (SCOPE 2)

  Unit 2018 2019 2020 2021

Farming 

MWh 86 852

98 662

134 355

144 203

Wild catch

MWh

19 267

10 803

25 380

24 137

VAP, Sales and Distribution

MWh

14 664

25 560

29 532 37 388

The Group

MWh

120 783

135 025

189 267

205 728

 

TOTAL TONNES OF CO2 EQUIVALENT (TCO2E)

  Unit 2018 2019 2020 2021
Farming          

Scope 1

tCO2e

16 412

18 249

18 429

18 706

Scope 2 (Location based)

tCO2e

3 908

3 847

5 508

4 470

Total

tCO2e

20 320

22 096

23 937

23 176

           

Wild catch

         

Scope 1 

tCO2e

101 399

98 720

107 499

120 237

Scope 2 (Location based)

tCO2e

867 421

1 040

748

Total

tCO2e

102 266

99 141

108 539

120 985

 

 

 

 

 

 

VAP, Sales and Distribution

 

 

 

 

 

Scope 1

tCO2e

969

1 814

1 881

2 579

Scope 2 (Location based)

tCO2e

2 633

2 764

3 387

4 362

Total

tCO2e

3 602

4 578

5 268

6 941

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Group

 

 

 

 

 

Scope 1

tCO2e

118 782

118 785

127 810

141 523

Scope 2 (Location based)

tCO2e

7 409

7 033

9 936

9 581

Scope 3

tCO2e

1 720

1 292 739

1 284 641

1 157 173

Total

tCO2e

1 279 11

1 418 557

1 422 387

1 308 277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2018

2019

2020

2021 

Annual Scope 2 Market-Based GHG Emissions

tCO2e

35 365

28 443

50 409

 49 208

 

CO2e emissions for fish are in general low. When compared with other types of  proteins we eat, salmon has the lowest eco-footprint.

Emissions

Lerøy Seafood Group («Lerøy») is continuously working to improve its CO2e emission monitoring and reporting. Information regarding emissions is crucial for understanding and responding to environmental challenges. However, we acknowledge that we need to strive to improve the data quality and current reported numbers will be amended if we identify any deviations.   

The Group has completed a comprehensive analysis of climate related risks and opportunities which the Group is facing over short, medium and long term. This analysis has confirmed the importance of measuring, monitoring and reporting our environmental performance.

Lerøy has set ambitious science-based targets to reduce our carbon footprint: We aim to reduce our CO2e emissions by 46% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. (ref: Climate Policy). Lerøy has defined 2019 as the base year for our science-based climate target as this was the first year all operating segments in the Group were conducting greenhouse gas emission reporting for Scope 1, 2 and 3. The Group’s operating segments are the following: 1) Wild Catch 2 ) Farming  and 3) Value Added Processing which also includes sales and distribution.

The reported emission figures have been collected throughout 2021 from relevant suppliers via invoices and direct monitoring and are based on the same data source as the figures reported in Lerøy’s 2020 annual report.   

Our emissions are reported in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard. The Group accounts for Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions over which it has operational control. Reporting units account for their use of fossil fuels, refrigerants, electricity as well as district heating/cooling. Climate account statements are consolidated in the same manner as financial statements showing aggregated results for the Group’s entities (reporting units).

The Group’s Scope 3 is reported in accordance with GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting and Reporting Standard. The Group has carried out mapping of its “carbon hotspots” identifying the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions which are included in the Group’s Scope 3 climate accounts. For more detailed information, please, see table Scope 3 Overview per Category below.

 

Emission factors

Emissions data for Scope 1, 2 and 3 covers reporting of the following greenhouse gases: carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). The Group has not reported any biogenic CO2 emissions in Scope 1 or Scope 3 in 2021. 

Source for Scope 1 emission factors used for calculation of tCO2e is DEFRA (Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government), 2021 as well as National Standard Emission Factors (Norwegian Environment Agency), 24th February 2015.

Source for location-based Scope 2 emission factors used for calculation of CO2e is International Energy Agency (IEA) for 2019. The factors used are based on national gross electricity production mixes on 3 years rolling average. The Nordic electricity mix used to calculate the Group’s location-based Scope 2 emissions are based on 2019 factors. The Nordic electricity mix factor is developed by Cemasys (sustainability consultancy company and service provider for registration and calculation of climate accounts) covers the weighted production in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark reflecting the common Nord Pool market area. Emission factors per fuel type are based on assumption in the IEA methodological framework. Factors for district heating/ cooling are either based on actual (local) production mixes, or average IEA stat.

The Group has not purchased Guarantees of Origin in 2021.

Regarding market-based emissions – the choice of emission factor using this method is determined by whether the business acquires Guarantees of Origin or not. For electricity without the Guarantee of Origin, the emission factor is based on the remaining electricity production after all Guarantees of Origin for renewable energy are sold. This is residual mix, which is normally substantially higher than the location-based factor.

Source for Scope 3 emission factors used for calculation of tCO2e is DEFRA (Department for Environmental Food and Rural Affairs, UK Government) 2021, International Energy Agency (IEA) 2021, Greenhouse gas emissions of Norwegian seafood products in 2017, SINTEF study, Emission factors from fish feed producers 2021, Database Ecoinvent 3.8 (2021).

 

Scope 3 Overview per category (2021)

 

CATEGORY*

DESCRIPTION

tCO2e

1. Purchased goods and services

The consumption data is based on purchased volumes throughout the year. Information about the fish feed carbon intensity is collected from relevant fish feed suppliers.

EPS boxes. Information regarding EPS boxes (number, type, properties) is collected from the Group’s companies.
586 050
2.

Capital goods

N/A

-

3.

Fuel and energy related activities

Well to Tank (WTT)**. Calculations based on the existing consumption data volumes collected from the Group’s companies throughout the year. The calculation is based on the reported consumption data for Scope 1 and 2 (for more detailed information, see table Total Consumption of Fossil Fuels (Scope 1) above. 35 728
4.

Upstream transportation and distribution (outbound transportation)

Transportation services (sea transportation, well boats). Consumption data collected from sea transportation/ well- boat service providers (calculations include WTT).

Transportation of produced products to customers. Information collected from the Group’s Logistics department. The calculations are based on distance from capital to capital. The emission factors used are determined by type of transportation mode.
531 941
5.

Waste generated in operations

Waste. Information regarding volumes collected from the Group’s companies throughout the year.

1 747
6.

Business travel

Air travel (business travel by air). Information regarding distances traveled is collected from travel agent the Group uses (including WTT). 508
7. Employee commuting     N/A  -
8. Upstream leased assets N/A  -
9. Downstream transportation and distribution N/A  -
10.

Processing of sold products

Processing of white fish and red fish. Information regarding volumes collected from the Group’s companies.

1 197

11.

Use of sold products

N/A -
12.

End-of-life treatment of sold products

N/A -
13.

Downstream leased assets 

N/A -
14.

Franchises  

N/A -
15.

Investments

N/A -

*For more detailed information regarding the categories, please visit Corporate Value Chain (Scope 3) Accounting standard

**A Well-to-Tank emissions factor, also known as upstream or indirect emissions, is an average of all the GHG emissions released into the atmosphere from the production, processing and delivery of a fuel or energy vector.

 

GHG emissions calculations methodology (developed by Cemasys)

THREE  MAIN ACTIVITIES WHICH CAN HELP US TO REDUCE OUR EMISSIONS:

  • Changing feed content/ ingrediences
  • Less transportation by air
  • Switching to alternative fuels

What causes our emissions?

GHG emissions intensity

The Group’s emissions ratio is calculated in the following manner: tCO2 (Scope 1 & Scope 2)/tons Produced volume

GHG emissions intensity Farming (Tons CO2/ tons gross growth): 0.057

Tons CO2 Farming_annual report

GHG emissions intensity Wild Catch (Tons CO2/ tons headed/gutted fish): 1.127

Tons CO2 Wild catch_annual report

GHG emissions intensity VAP, Sales & Distribution (Tons CO2/ tons products sold): 0.117

Tons CO2 VAP, sales and distribution

Climate accounts

Climate accounts CO2e
Climate

Climate scenario analysis

Over the last years we’ve seen a growing attention to climate change and an urgent need to take action.

Governments, financial institutions, investors, our customers and other important stakeholders are setting higher demands and requirements related to climate change awareness. This has created a call for companies to disclose how climate change is affecting their financial performance and strategy.

Seafood has a smaller carbon footprint than other animal productions systems. With a growing population the world needs food, and ocean-based diets have been pointed out an important contributor to increasing the world’s food production. However, although seafood is considered as a healthy and sustainable source of protein, existing operations and exploiting new opportunities need to be done in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The Group believes that the increased focus on climate and environmental sustainability represents a significant opportunity for the Group, the seafood industry and for Norway. In this context, it is the responsibility of both the industry and political authorities to exploit these opportunities. It requires reason and knowledge to prevail in the years to come.

The Group's operations are closely linked to the natural conditions in Norwegian and international freshwater sources and marine areas. Access to clean water and clean seas is a prerequisite for the Group's operations.

LSG has set ambitious science-based targets to actively to reduce our overall carbon footprint and also focusing on reducing the environmental impact of the Group's activities.

The Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure (TCFD) framework is designed to improve the clarity, consistency and reliability on climate-related disclosures for a better understanding of climate-related risks and opportunities and how to implement measures to mitigate such risks.

In 2020 the Group conducted an in depth interview analysis with 20 key internal and external stakeholders to identify what is considered to be the Group’s main risks and opportunities related to climate change. 

The qualitative scenario analysis summarized below is aligned with the TCFD recommendations. The Group’s main vision is to be the most profitable global supplier of sustainable high-quality seafood and  sustainability is at the core of every important strategy decision we make. The Group acknowledges the importance of better disclosures and aims to integrate the complete TCFD recommendations  with quantifications of potential financial impact in due course.

CLIMATE RELATED RISKS & OPPORTUNITIES

The transition to a low-carbon society will potentially reduce physical risks from climate change, but it will also lead to transition risks, which need to be identified, assessed and managed.  

Below we highlight the key transition and physical risks and opportunities that were identified in the interview analysis.

Transition Risks

Transition risks are risks associated in the transition to a low-carbon society. It involves risks related to regulatory changes, legal and financial responsibility for damage caused by climate change, new technology, changes in the market and consumer behaviour as well as reputational risk.

POLICY AND LEGAL

Climate policies aim to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. Policy changes and new regulations can pose a negative risk for companies through failure of compliance, or through increased costs such as carbon pricing and increased prices of feed ingredients.

For Lerøy (“LSG”), the introduction of new and more stringent climate-related regulations were identified as a risk mainly in two areas: potential new regulations that could have a significant financial impact on operations, and potential new regulations relating to the purchase of raw materials.

An increase in regional, national, international and industry specific regulations is likely to impact LSG financially through increased operating costs and decreased revenue.

Potential new climate-related regulations impacting operations and purchase of raw materials:

Overall:

  • The EU taxonomy is created to steer capital towards sustainable investments. There is currently significant uncertainty related to how this will impact LSG in the short term.
    • As the seafood industry is currently not yet covered in the EU taxonomy, there is a risk that LSG’s activities will not be classified as green activities. This may impact LGS’s access to green financing.
    • LSG may further be impacted through larger technological upgrades in order to meet future requirements laid out by the Taxonomy
  • Carbon pricing and taxes.
    • An potential increase in carbon pricing will directly impact operating costs in the short term before LSG transition to lower emission technologies and solutions.
    • LSG transports products to overseas markets by air freight. If carbon taxes increase over time this will have a significant financial impact, making our products less competitive.
    • LSG uses MGO and diesel in farming and wild catch, and any taxation on fossil fuels will impact cost of fuel consumption. Potential increased taxation on vehicle transportation to European markets
  • Potential regulations regarding local pollution levels and fuel use could potentially increase transportation costs.
  • New legislation and requirements concerning the use and disposal of styrofoam and plastics.
    • More stringent regulation concerning the use and recycling of plastics in all markets may increase operation costs or lead to investments in new types of packaging material and transportation boxes.

Farming

  • Potential new legislation prohibiting direct sea operations and requiring production in closed systems.
    • A potential prohibition of direct sea operations will directly impact LSG’s entire value chain and business model.
  • Risk of regulatory changes in relation to CO2 emissions allowance per site.
  • Litigation risks in local operation areas.
  • Risk of more stringent ASC/MSC certifications.
    • If ASC/MSC certification criteria are not met, LSG’s products will lose its certification, leading to potential loss of market access and reduced income
  • Potential taxation on, or prohibition to use  soy as an ingredient in fish feed.
    • A stigmatization of soy use can prohibit soy as a component in feed composition, and require LSG to purchase alternative feed sources which can impact the overall cost of feed

Wild-catch

  • Potential new legislation prohibiting the use of trawlers in wild fish operations due to co2 emissions associated with the use of marine gas oil (MGO), alternatively prohibiting the use of MGO.
    • Both scenarios would lead to significant investment costs for the Group as the entire trawler fleet would have to be retrofitted/renewed with low-carbon solutions.
  • Significant changes related to quota regulations for wild fish catches could have a direct impact to production capacity and income generating activities.

TECHNOLOGY

Development of new technological solutions will function as an effort to reduce carbon emissions and can represent both opportunities and risk. Unsuccessful investments in new technologies, or the cost of transitioning to lower emission technologies may pose a significant financial risk to LSG:

  • The risk that LSG’s existing vessel fleet could end up as stranded assets if not adjusting to technology, regulatory and/or market changes.
    • Potential large investments in new fishery/fish farming vessels and /or working boats that may need to be retrofitted in a few years when technology and requirements develop further.
  • Potential technological developments in alternative protein production.The increasing awareness of the meat industry’s global carbon impact is shifting the market to alternative sources of plant-based protein, and lab-based protein production may pose a threat to LSG if the market shifts from seafood to these alternative protein sources.
  • Technological developments in land-based fish farming.
    • Land-based farming poses a threat to LSG as this moves production closer to the market, eliminating the need for long-distance transport, especially air freight.

MARKET

Climate change awareness has created a shift in demand for lower emission foods. Failure to comply to stakeholder environmental demands may lead to a reduced demand for our products, impacting our revenue.

Demand

  • Change in consumer needs and behaviour.
    • Young consumers (with future purchasing power) are changing their eating habits and have a larger focus on climate issues and carbon footprint on food they purchase. Rising markets for alternative plant-based protein sources may affect the competitive environment and potentially reduce demand for LSG’s products This risk has a potential direct impact to the Group’s profitability.
      • Climate awareness is becoming increasingly important for consumers in Norway.
    • Consumers set higher demands and requirements to the products they purchase. There may be an increase in demand for certified fish. This may have a financial impact if these demands are not met.

REPUTATION

Climate change has been identified as a potential source of reputational risk tied to changing customer or community perception of a company’s contribution to or detraction from the transition to a lower-carbon economy. By not meeting the expectations from stakeholders, the reputation of LSG may be damaged and directly impact consumer behaviour.

Brand specific:

  1. LSG is a well-known name to consumers. Reputational risks is therefore significantly larger for LSG than other companies within the industry.
  2. Any damage to LSG’s reputation regarding climate and sustainability will reach the consumer who may stop buying their products. If LSG is associated withnegatively affecting the climate and harming the marine ecosystem, this may significantly impact revenue.
  3. Reputational value today is more important than 10-15 years ago. Young consumers have more opinions, and there is a large risk in not winning them over.

Industry wide:

  1. There is a risk of industry wide propaganda against the seafood industry. This poses  a threat to seafood products being perceived as healthy and sustainable products. This may potentially impact sales and overall profitability to the Group.
  2. The use of soy in fish feed impacts reputation.
    • The market has decided that soy is a bad raw material in terms of climate, which may impact purchasing decisions of end consumers. Even though 100 % of the soy used in feed is certified, the use of soy alone can damage reputation.
  3. Growing awareness of the use of air freight in transportation may harm the overall reputation of seafood.
  4. Any potential negative impact on the marine ecosystems is likely to have a direct financial impact on revenue. There is a long term risk that aquaculture may potentially be blamed for ruining the ecosystem in the ocean.

Physical climate-related risks

Physical impacts are risks associated with direct implications of climate change, and can be event driven such more extreme weather (acute) or longer-term shifts in climate patterns such as higher temperatures (chronic)

Financial implications vary from costs associated with damage of sites and vessels to the larger impacts associated with loss of fish and less stable access to raw materials as well indirect impacts from supply chain disruption,, Physical risks could have a direct impact on LSG’s production capacity and revenue growth.  

ACUTE

Acute physical risks are risks associated with more frequent extreme weather such as storms, hurricanes, floods and heavy precipitation of rain and snow. Such events may impact LSG’s direct operations, or cause disruptions in the supply chain.

For LSG, any events delaying production has a financial implication. It is therefore crucial for LSG to be prepared for such scenarios. Acute physical risks can also impact the supply of raw materials used in fish feed, which is a extremely important for LSG.

Direct operations

  • Extreme weather events such as heavy snowfall, extreme cold weather, storms and waves can have direct implication on production sites and fishing operations:
    • Storms and waves increase the load on all installations. This may lead to major material damage and could cause LSG to lose production capacity short term which will have a direct impact on revenue.
    • Material damage on production sites further increases the risk of escapes.
    • Extreme weather can damage fishing fleet so that operations are not possible, directly impacting production capacity and revenue.
  • Extreme weather may lead to loss of ships at sea and cause oil spill along the Norwegian coastline, which may impact our fish farm facilities. If there are no healthy fish in Norwegian waters, operations stand still, directly impacting revenue.
  • Extreme weather events which cause long time drought may have a significant impact on our ability to produce Smolt. Preventive actions in place to mitigate this risk are:
    • Each smolt production facility have water magazines with stored water in case of emergencies.
    • Continuous surveillance of water levels in lakes/Rivers etc
    • Long term contracts and/or concessions for use of freshwater
    • Non of our water sources is used for human water consumption
  • Facilities in coastal areas are increasingly exposed to landslides.
  • Extreme weather events could impact logistics and distribution.
    • For example: Large amounts of snow in Northern Norway may delay deliveries of fresh fish and hence lose value. Customers may not want to purchase at same price.
  • Extreme weather events can lead to changes in water quality, leading to disease, parasites and algae that can kill the fish overnight. This will have direct impact on revenue.
    • Any events impacting the biology in the ocean, especially algae bloom, is potentially a risk that can have large impacts on LSG’s profits

Supply chain

  • Extreme weather, such as drought and floods can affect the production of raw materials that LSG depends on in feed ingredients (soy, wheat, rapeseed oil, corn).This can impact both availability and cost of raw materials
  • Extreme weather events pose direct HSE risks in the entire value chain.

CHRONIC

Chronic climate risks are risks derived from longer-term shifts in climate patterns, such as higher temperatures in air and sea, and change in sea levels. The sea is LSG’s biggest asset, and any changes in sea levels or temperature that directly impacts the marine ecosystem can potentially impact the company’s livelihood in the long run.

Rising sea temperatures:

Wild catch

  • Sea temperatures affect the migration patterns of wild fish.
    • Changes in sea temperatures could lead the cod stock further north. This causes the fishing zones to move, directly impacting the transportation radius of trawlers, increasing fuel use and costs.
    • It poses a large challenge for coastal fishing if cod is no longer found along the Norwegian coast line, which will impact the availability LSG has to purchase fish from the coastal fleet
    • There is a frisk if LSG are not able to harvest the full fishing quota. This will directly impact revenue capacity from our trawler fleet
  • A rise in sea temperature may cause a change in the substances found in fish. This could make products less attractive to the market and can potentially have direct impact on revenue.

Farming

  • Changes in sea temperatures could lead other fish stocks further north (and closer to the coast) – like mackerel shoals and turbot. These species can make holes in the fish pens and result in an increased risk of fish escapes.
  • Increased sea temperatures provide better conditions for salmon lice.
    • This would make operations in the south more challenging and can also affect aquaculture in the north in the long term.
  • A rise in sea temperature may cause a change in the substances found in salmon. This could make products less attractive to the market and can potentially have direct impact on revenue.
  • Changes in oxygen levels, increased precipitation, changes in sea levels in fjords can lead to poorer conditions for farming, increasing the risk of disease and mortality.

Rising air temperatures

  • An increase of air temperature will increase the need for refrigerants to keep the fish cold during transportation. This will for instance require more ice, making transportation higher which again will lead to higher emissions and can potentially impact costs.

OPPORTUNITIES

As markets and consumer behaviour shift in response to climate change, the seafood industry have a substantial opportunity to harness solutions addressing climate change. Companies prepared to manage  and mitigate climate-related risks, will obtain a competitive advantage.

Technological improvements may lead to resource efficiency. Additionally, an increasing supply of low-/zero-emission energy sources, combined with potential carbon pricing, may create a shift in demand for these services.

Explore market shifts towards climate friendly products and services:

  • Alternative transportation solutions (blue wrap or sub chilling) to increase durability of fresh fish will eliminate or reduce dependency on air freight of fresh fish. This may reduce costs and improve reputation.
  • Innovations enabling production of fish feed ingredients in markets closer to home, potentially in lab based controlled environments, may eliminate or reduce dependency of unstable supply of raw materials such as soy. This will also reduce transportation, further reducing costs and emissions.
  • Moving towards more climate friendly packaging, with focus on recycling, is a clear signal to the customer that LSG have serious considerations regarding climate and sustainability. This may have a positive impact on reputation and revenue growth
  • There are large opportunities associated with reaching young and future consumers who are concerned about climate change, as this can have a positive impact on revenue.

Explore opportunities that follow a new positioning in a low carbon market:

  • A shift in market preference from whole fresh to refined fillets or frozen may increase market share, directly impacting revenue, and lower costs and emissions from air freight.
  • There are large opportunities associated with the perception of seafood and aquaculture as a contributor to a sustainable food production for a growing world population.
    • EAT, European Green Deal, WRI etc. are all pointing to aquaculture as a contributor to sustainable future food requirements. This may influence market perception.
    • A growing population will increase global demand for food and protein. Seafood is viewed as a healthy and sustainable protein and there are opportunities of new and growing markets, which will impact revenue growth.
  • Investments in low-carbon solutions could lead to eligibility for financial support schemes from for instance Enova which is a Norwegian governmental owned company aimed to contribute to the restructuring of energy use and energy production in Norway.

Exploit collaborative efforts:

  • Improve competitive advantage through positioning as a sustainable protein provider by collaborating with suppliers to reinforce efforts to a shift to climate friendly solutions.
    • Work actively with suppliers to improve life cycle analyses (LCA) of fish feed, to further improve composition and make climate friendly decisions. This can improve reputation, and potentially impact revenue growth.
    • Work actively with transportation providers to be in the forefront of low-emission goods transportation.This will potentially improve reputation, reduce overall emissions and costs through avoided carbon or fuel taxes.
  • Active communications with authorities and involvement in policy making will reduce climate-related risks and enable LSG to be ahead of any regulatory changes.

Resource efficiency

Resource efficiency as equivalent to cost efficiency and can be obtained through:

  • Increased resource efficiency in processing of fish.
    • More efficient use of products, such as in fish feed, or as fish flour/oil, can reduce costs.
    • Filleting fish in Norway for lower weight in freight to processing plants in Europe can reduce transportation costs
  • Increased efficiency in waste management:
    • Circularity and return schemes in packaging and plastics from the ocean can reduce costs.
  • Better data technologies for all systems may lead to increased control of operations, further improving efficiency and potentially reducing costs.

SURVEY RANKING:

Below we highlight the top three climate-related risks and opportunities  that were identified as the most strategically and financially important for LSG based on the results from the survey:

TOP 3 RISKS:

  1. Reputation: The risk of LSG being perceived as an unsustainable brand. If LSG is associated with large contributions of GHG emissions and harming the marine ecosystem, this can significantly impact revenue and profitability.
  2. Policy & legal: The introduction of new climate related regulations directly impacting operations. Potential new legislation prohibiting direct sea operations will directly impact LSG’s entire value chain. New legislations regulating our trawler fleet or fuel use can also have a direct financial impact. There is also a risk of local regulatory changes in relation to fuel and CO2 emission allowance per site.
  3. Policy & legal: The introduction of new climate related regulations directly impacting purchase of raw materials. Examples of prohibition of, or taxation on, the use of soy as a component in feed can limit the supply of, or increase the cost of feed, which is pointed out as one of LSG’s main contributing input factors.

TOP 3 OPPORTUNITIES:

  1. Market: Influencing the market to view seafood as a sustainable protein source. EAT, European Green Deal, WRI etc. are all pointing to aquaculture as an important contributor to sustainable future food requirements. This may influence market perception. Additionally, the population is growing, which will increase the global demand for food and protein. If seafood can maintain its positioning as a healthy and sustainable source of protein, there are opportunities to be exploited in a growing market.
  2. Products & services: LSG can improve and increase a competitive advantage in a low-carbon economy by actively collaborating with their suppliers of fish feed and transportation providers to reduce GHG emissions and save costs.
  3. Resource efficiency: LSG can reduce costs through resource efficiency and circularity in all operations. This includes more efficient use of biproducts, reducing transportation volumes of fish to processing plants in Europe, return schemes to reduce waste and use of plastics, and the introduction of technologies to improve data availability and control, further improving efficiency.

The below document with tables summarize the findings from the interviews.

Note that the risk and opportunity assessments are provisional and will be further developed. The heatmapping is result of a preliminary assessment of risk level based on interview input. We intent to stress-test this resilience in the future by using scenarios and quantitative analysis.

Potential financial impact is categorized with the following colours in the summary table.

The below document with tables summarize the findings from the interviews.

Note that the risk and opportunity assessments are provisional and will be further developed. The heatmapping is result of a preliminary assessment of risk level based on interview input. We intent to stress-test this resilience in the future by using scenarios and quantitative analysis.

Potential financial impact is categorized with the following colours in the summary table.

Skjermbilde potential impact.JPG