Spotify’s Next Step on Our Path to Net Zero Emissions

Technology is all about interlocking systems that work together efficiently, and we often think about iterating on these systems to make them better. Climate change is one of these interconnected issues—making it vitally important for companies to disrupt old systems when it comes to combating the effects of global warming. That’s why, in September 2021, Spotify joined the Exponential Roadmap Initiative and the UN Race to Zero, a first step on our more ambitious climate action journey. 

The Exponential Roadmap Initiative consists of a network of selected innovative companies, scientists, and NGOs that commit to exponentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions,  educating and inspiring others to do so though their platforms and businesses, and engaging with the wider community to push the climate action agenda forward. 

“Climate change is one of the most pressing global issues of our lifetime,” says Gustav Söderström, Spotify’s Chief R&D Officer. “Spotify has a responsibility to combat the effects of climate change, which is why we’re aiming to reach net zero emissions within the next decade.” 

Over the next days, months, and years, we’ll look to disrupt our ways of working and curb our emissions over a variety of ways:

• Making our workplaces better: We continue to redesign, remodel, and run our offices with an eye toward environmental efficiency, accessibility, and renewable solutions.
• Stream green: A percentage of our emissions is generated by streaming, downloads, and device battery usage. We are measuring this impact and aim to generate lower energy consumption from different devices, while offsetting any remaining emissions.
• Partnering with suppliers who share our goals: Our biggest source of emissions is the goods and services we purchase. We are focused on collaborating with like-minded suppliers to reduce emissions in this area.

“We are delighted that Spotify joins other front-runners in climate action within the Exponential Roadmap Initiative,” says Johan Falk, Head of Exponential Roadmap Initiative and lead author of the “Exponential Roadmap and the 1.5°C Business Playbook.” “Spotify has a unique reach and opportunity to inspire people around the globe to take climate action.”

We’re already on our way to create climate-conscious solutions and use our platform to spread awareness and amplify action. Our Sustainable Sonics provide a low-carbon alternative to other forms of advertising. Our curated podcast playlists and Climate Action hub provide important information on taking climate action for our listeners. And finally, check out the Life at Spotify website climate section for the latest actions and reports. 

But there’s so much more to be done, and we need to do it now. Joining the Exponential Roadmap Initiative demonstrates our commitment to taking action, and we look forward to collaborating with our partners, incorporating feedback, and sharing more updates on this crucial journey.

Looking to learn more about the Exponential Roadmap and greenhouse gas-reducing solutions? Stream “The Scientific Case for The Race to Zero with Johan Rockström” or “Nigel Topping Racing to Zero.”

Forward-Looking Statements

We would like to caution you that certain of the above statements represent “forward-looking statements” as defined in Section 27A of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The words “will,” “aim,” and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our net zero emissions target, the anticipated timing of achieving such target, and the actions we plan to take to curb emissions and push the climate action agenda forward. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and include this statement for purposes of complying with the safe harbor provisions. Such forward-looking statements involve significant risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our present expectations or projections, including but not limited to the risks as set forth in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date hereof.