In a strengthening of its ESG operations, IGT has joined the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), committing to carbon emission and climate change reduction.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)drives climate action among businesses worldwide, and by becoming a member of the programme, IGT has become the latest operator to adopt a low-greenhouse gas policy.

This commitment will see IGT align its energy policy to the objectives of the 2015 Paris Agreement, developing and enacting near and long-term greenhouse gas emission targets, focusing on the SbTi Net-Zero criteria targets and reporting its progress annually in its Sustainability Report. 

Wendy Montgomery, IGT SVP Marketing, Communications and Sustainability, said: “IGT is advancing its sustainability leadership in the gaming industry by joining more than 2,000 companies worldwide committed to the SBTi in reducing their emissions, generating positive value for our planet and our future while continuing to grow their business.

“Making a formal commitment to setting science-based targets advances IGT’s established sustainability program and underscores our focus on ESG activities.”

A partnership between the CDP, World Resources Institute, World Wide Fund for nature and United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), the ultimate goal of SBTi affiliated companies is to contribute to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees celsius in comparison to the pre-industrial average. 

IGT has been a UNGC member since 2017, and has worked with the international body since this date to adopt nine of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals and align them with its own sustainability outlook. 

The firm’s latest ESG move comes as operators across the betting and gaming space place a higher focus on environmental initiatives within a wider corporate social responsibility policy, as public demand for greater action to counter climate change continues to mount. 

Additional CSR developments recently saw IGT secure recertification by the World Lottery Association for its Corporate Social Responsibility Standards and Responsible Gaming Framework for Suppliers.