LEGO reduces carbon emissions with solar panels and invests in carbon removal for credits. (Photo: LEGO)
On Feb. 4, LEGO announced an investment of approximately DKK 19 million (about 2.6 million USD) in four carbon removal projects. The Danish toy giant aims to secure carbon credits through these initiatives as part of its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
LEGO invests in carbon capture technologies to offset emissions
The company’s key partners for this initiative include UK-based carbon offset services company Climate Impact Partners and French carbon removal asset manager ClimeFi. Climate Impact Partners is leading a reforestation project in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley, while ClimeFi is backing two biochar projects and one enhanced rock weathering (ERW) solution.
According to LEGO’s official statement, the company will acquire carbon credits from these four projects between 2024 and 2026. One of the projects, managed by GreenTrees, focuses on reforestation with an area of 400,000 hectares. However, LEGO did not disclose the expected amount of carbon credits from each project.
Annette Stube, LEGO’s Chief Sustainability Officer, emphasized that the company hopes these actions will have a positive environmental impact. She also stressed that innovative, high-quality carbon removal projects and emerging technologies play a crucial role in supporting a sustainable future.
In addition to this, LEGO's family investment firm, Kirkbi A/S, has committed an additional DKK 5 million (about 695,000 USD) to support the carbon removal technologies.
LEGO aims for net-zero by 2050 with expanded solar installations
This is not LEGO's first foray into carbon capture. Last year, LEGO and Kirkbi invested 2.4 million USD in Swiss startup Climeworks, signing a nine-year partnership for direct air capture (DAC). At the same time, Kirkbi signed an additional agreement worth 405,000 USD to secure high-quality carbon removal services from Climeworks.
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LEGO signed a 9-year Direct Air Capture (DAC) partnership agreement with Swiss carbon capture startup Climeworks last year. (Image: Climeworks)
In addition to carbon removal, LEGO is reducing emissions by using renewable energy. Over the past two years, the company has increased its global solar energy capacity by 61%. This year, it plans to increase solar capacity by 72%.
The new factory in Vietnam, which is set to begin operations this year, has already completed rooftop solar installations with a peak capacity of 7.34 MW, and plans may include adding energy storage systems for more flexible renewable energy management.
