How Emerson Supports Sustainable Sourcing Through Automation

Emerson operates as an industrial automation provider that supplies software and enterprise operations technology to sectors including chemicals, energy and life sciences.

The company holds more than 18,000 active patents worldwide.

According to Emerson's 2025 Sustainability Report, the firm is using technology to address operational efficiency challenges while building what it describes as a software-defined technology stack.

The purpose here is creating innovations to address global challenges through automation and digital transformation.

Software-defined operations and digital targets

Emerson's operational footprint accounts for approximately 2% of its total value chain greenhouse gas emissions. The remaining 98% comes from indirect activities.

The company has set a net-zero operations goal requiring a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, measured against a 2021 baseline. This target could drive further automation and efficiency software deployment across its facilities.

By 2030, Emerson aims to source 100% renewable electricity through grid sourcing and on-site generation systems. The company also targets a 35% reduction in energy intensity from 2021 levels.

According to the report, Emerson achieved a 27% reduction in energy intensity in 2025 while increasing purchased renewable electricity to 56%. The company achieved a 49% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2025.

Lal Karsanbhai, President and CEO of Emerson, says: "In 2025, Emerson completed its transformation into a global automation leader serving a diverse set of market verticals and customers. We have built a company positioned for long-term value creation with a differentiated portfolio and an unparalleled software-defined technology stack.

"With strong support and oversight from our Board of Directors, we are advancing sustainability initiatives that serve our customers and strengthen the efficiency and resilience of our operations."

Automation technologies and enterprise efficiency

Emerson assessed the water footprint of its manufacturing operations using data analytics, helping the company set a target to reduce water consumption at manufacturing facilities by 10% by 2032.

According to the report, Emerson surpassed this goal in 2025 by achieving a 12% reduction in water consumption compared to 2022.

The company added water operational efficiency protocols to its Sustainable Building Standards for new construction projects.

Emerson deploys an environmental compliance programme as part of its risk management strategy. This system focuses on regulatory requirements related to air emissions, wastewater discharges and waste disposal.

Lal says: "We are taking focused action to reduce the environmental impact of our operations and help customers advance their sustainability goals.

"Across the industries we serve, Emerson's leading technologies enable lower carbon, efficient and reliable operations."

Digital supply chain management

Emerson manages a supply chain that sources plastics, electronics, steel and machined parts from more than 13,000 direct materials suppliers.

The company follows a responsible sourcing policy that includes calculating greenhouse gas emissions and setting reduction goals.

According to Emerson, more than 3,300 employees have received training on the company's Supplier Code of Conduct and related topics. This training programme could indicate an effort to standardise digital procurement practices.

Lal says: "We continue to strengthen our approach to supplier engagement by deepening collaboration, increasing transparency and aligning expectations around shared priorities. These efforts help protect our customers, enhance supply chain resilience and support long-term value creation across our value chain."

Emerson integrates material efficiency, energy performance and lifecycle analysis into product design and procurement decisions, an approach that applies to both products and packaging.

Lal concludes: "We are energised by the opportunities ahead as we focus on engineering the autonomous future, enabling customers to optimise operations and accelerate innovation."