Our Environment

(GRI 2-5, 2-6, 3-3, 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, 305-4, 305-5)

(SASB FB-MP-110a.1, FB-MP-110a.2)

Our Climate Strategy

JBS has developed a climate strategy designed to build resilience throughout our value chain. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity and fairness, our approach is guided by a just-transition philosophy, supporting the transformation of food systems in a way that benefits both the environment and the people who sustain them. By fostering partnerships and prioritizing engagement, we work collaboratively with farmers, suppliers, and communities to advance sustainability while strengthening economic opportunities.

We strive to reduce the intensity of Scope 3 emissions through collaborative efforts that deliver both environmental and economic benefits for our supplier partners. Globally, we are investing in clean energy solutions, such as solar, wind, and biogas, to increase the share of renewable energy in our total consumption. Additionally, we are advancing climate resilience across our operations and value chains, enhancing the adaptability and productivity of food systems to withstand the changing climate, fortifying global food security while promoting sustainable practices across operations and supply chains.

Climate Goals and Ambition

In 2021, JBS announced its ambition to achieve net-zero GHG emissions across our operations and shared value chain by 2040, recognizing the urgent need for collective action to address the impacts of climate change. At that time, many companies, governments and non-governmental organizations announced similar public goals in an effort to galvanize action against the most harmful impacts of climate change. While achievement of a goal of this ambitious magnitude was never under the control of any one company, organization or government; we believed this collective movement towards net zero goals was a positive step toward mitigating the effects of climate change.

We acknowledge that whether the company is successful in achieving this ambitious goal will depend on external factors outside of the company’s control, including but not limited to: national and local government leadership, the resources and efforts of those in our value chains, technological innovations, energy advancements, climate change impacts, collaborations and partnerships, and international agreements and global trends. See our Legal Disclaimer for further information.

With respect to our own operations and indirect energy, we set clear initial goals, including reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emission intensity by 30%, compared to our 2019 baseline. These goals reflect our determination to lead progress in emissions reductions while driving innovation and collaboration across the global food system.

Climate Reporting and Assurance

(GRI 2-5)
For over a decade, we have measured, monitored, and reported direct and indirect GHG emissions, voluntarily disclosing data to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), regional regulatory frameworks, and other platforms. Our GHG emissions are calculated using internationally recognized standards, including the World Resources Institute’s and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (Revised Edition) (GHG Protocol), supplemented by internal criteria established by JBS.

To further strengthen stakeholder confidence, JBS has obtained third-party limited assurance for its global Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG inventories from 2019 to 2024, and 2021 global Scope 3 inventory. In addition, JBS Brazil has undergone a reasonable assurance process for it’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions for the first time. Moving forward, we will continue to seek annual assurances for our emissions, reinforcing our dedication to accountability and continuous improvement.

In Brazil, JBS also participates annually in the Brazilian GHG Protocol Program, a nationally recognized platform that verifies emissions data and promotes transparency. This voluntary participation allows us to benchmark our progress against industry peers while showcasing our prioritization of sustainability leadership.

Driving Innovation Through Data Partnerships

JBS partners with industry leaders to develop innovative solutions for emissions measurement across the value chain. One such initiative is the CarbonPrime project, a proof-of-concept collaboration involving AMAGGI, Bayer, JBS, Rumo, and the Sumitomo Corporation of Americas. This groundbreaking effort integrates primary emissions data from agricultural operations, feed and food production, logistics, seed processing, trading, and distribution—from Brazil to global markets. By leveraging this detailed data, CarbonPrime delivers more accurate estimates of GHG emissions across the value chain, enabling actionable insights to accelerate decarbonization from seed to store.

In Australia, JBS’s Great Southern brand exemplifies its dedication to data transparency by completing the country’s largest carbon footprint assessment for grass-fed, grass-finished beef. Partnered with Integrity Ag, a leading consultancy specializing in agricultural sustainability, this initiative utilized data from the JBS Farm Assurance Program, which tracks sustainability practices at every stage of production, and integrated on-farm data with scientific methodologies to provide detailed insights into GHG emissions associated with cattle raised under the program.

Through partnerships like CarbonPrime, JBS continues to expand its capabilities in data collection and transparency, keeping our climate goals informed by robust and reliable information. These efforts not only enhance reporting accuracy but also empower stakeholders to collaborate on meaningful solutions to reduce emissions globally.

Sustainability Linked Bonds: Aligning Financial Mechanisms with Climate Goals

JBS leverages sustainability linked bonds as a financial mechanism to align our climate goals with measurable outcomes. These bonds are tied to specific sustainability performance targets for our goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions intensity by 30% by 2030.

Annual audits of our GHG inventories further strengthen compliance with emerging regulations, such as Brazil’s Emissions Trading System (SBCE), while confirming accuracy and reliability in our reporting. These efforts accentuate JBS’s proactive approach to environmental governance and climate accountability.

Our Emissions Profile

(GRI 2-6, 305-1, 305-2, 305-3, 305-4, 305-5)
(SASB FB-MP-110a.1, FB-MP-110a.2)
As with many companies in the food and agriculture sector, the majority of JBS’s GHG emissions footprint comes from indirect Scope 3 emissions. These emissions stem from activities outside of JBS’s control across its value chain, such as livestock and grain production, product distribution, and consumer use.

This presents a significant challenge because these Scope 3 emissions are not directly related to JBS’s operations and management. They are the result of thousands of individual farming operations that grow the agricultural commodities in our supply chain and millions of consumers cooking, refrigerating, and disposing of JBS products. Unlike Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, which are directly tied to our facilities and energy use, Scope 3 emissions require more collaboration and innovation across our value chain to achieve meaningful reductions.

JBS is working to address Scope 3 emissions by investing in partnerships, innovative technologies, and data-driven approaches to improve emissions measurement and management. By fostering collaboration across the value chain, we aim to create scalable solutions that enable us—and the broader agricultural industry—to transition toward a low-carbon future. Our efforts are focused on empowering farmers with sustainable practices, enhancing transparency through advanced data collection, and working closely with stakeholders to implement impactful climate strategies.

Climate Resiliency Beyond GHG Emissions

Building climate resiliency is essential for the long-term sustainability of our operations, supply chains, and the communities we serve. While reducing GHG emissions remains a priority, true resilience requires addressing broader climate-related risks such as droughts, floods, extreme weather events, and ecosystem shifts. These challenges can disrupt raw material availability, reduce productivity, and increase operational costs—directly impacting global food security.

To address these risks, we invest in initiatives that promote sustainable practices across our supply chain, focusing on key areas critical to climate adaptation: deforestation prevention, pasture management, soil health, water stewardship, animal health, and circular economy solutions.

Deforestation Prevention

Forest stability plays a vital role in influencing rainfall patterns, plant and animal biodiversity, water and soil quality, flood prevention, and economic vitality for smallholder farmers. To address the core drivers of deforestation risks in our Brazilian cattle supply, JBS has developed a multi-layered approach that includes:

Responsible Sourcing Policy

JBS Brazil’s Responsible Raw Material Procurement Policy prohibits the purchase of livestock from farms involved in illegal deforestation, forced labor, invasion of indigenous territories, or embargoed by Brazilian environmental authorities.

Supply Chain Monitoring and Enforcement

JBS Brazil’s supply chain monitoring system increases our visibility into complex cattle supply chains by leveraging public and government databases, satellite imagery, and geo-referenced data. Verification of direct and indirect livestock suppliers’ compliance with socio-environmental standards is fundamental to ensuring the integrity of supply chains.

Technical Assistance and Extension Services for Producers

We provide free consultation services through our JBS Green Offices to farmers who want to improve their environmental performance, productivity, and sustainable practices. Free services should be provided to empower producers to sustainably intensify production and reduce economic incentives to illegally clear additional forest.

Multi-stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

JBS participates in global forums and associations to mobilize support and deliver change at scale across a complex supply chain.

Promoting Sustainable Development

Through the JBS Fund for the Amazon, we support economically viable and inclusive solutions focused on the restoration of degraded areas, the adoption of sustainable agricultural and livestock practices, and community-based socioeconomic development. We also invest in scientific and technological innovation to improve productivity and the quality of life of rural and forest-dependent populations.

Learn more about our strategies and actions to address deforestation in Land Management.

Pasture and Rangeland Management

Pasture and Rangeland Management support biodiversity, sequester carbon, and regulate water. By partnering with supply chain stakeholders, conservation organizations, and the livestock community, JBS aims to protect these ecosystems, ensuring their ecological and economic viability.

Grassland Conservation and Stability

Grasslands play a crucial role in carbon sequestration by capturing significant amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide and storing it in plant roots and soil. In addition, healthy grasslands help regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, and provide forage for livestock, making their preservation essential for rural communities and ecosystems.

Livestock Management

Proper livestock management in agricultural supply chains supports grasslands and pasture lands by promoting sustainable grazing practices and reducing overgrazing. Optimized movement and distribution of livestock helps ensure pastures are grazed evenly and given adequate time to recover, which maintains soil health and vegetation cover. Additionally, integrating supply chain management with rotational grazing systems can enhance pasture productivity and biodiversity, leading to more resilient and sustainable grasslands.

Grazing Management Plans

Effective grazing management plans focus on optimizing pasture use to maintain soil health, improve carbon sequestration, and maximize animal health and productivity. Some key practices include rotational grazing, adequate growing season rest periods, minimizing bare ground, and monitoring above-ground forage. Grazing management plans are a win-win for grazing systems as they can provide greater economic outcomes for producers and increased control over positive environmental outcomes, such as enhanced biodiversity and water retention.

Invasive Species Control

Controlling invasive species is critical for maintaining native forage production in grasslands and pasturelands. Invasive species often outcompete native plants, reducing biodiversity and the availability of nutritious forage for livestock.

Soil Health and Water Stewardship

Soil health and water management play foundational roles in sustainable livestock and feed production. Healthy soils promote the growth of nutritious feed crops, which directly impact animal health and productivity. In addition, effective water management maintains clean and sufficient water supplies for livestock and crop irrigation, reducing environmental impact and improving regulatory compliance.

Enhancing Soil Health

Healthy soils are crucial for resilient agriculture. JBS supports supplier practices such as cover cropping, no-till farming, and soil amendments to improve soil structure, increase organic matter, and enhance water retention. These practices also contribute to carbon sequestration and biodiversity, creating a more robust system capable of withstanding climatic variations and ensuring continuous food production.

Efficient Water Use and Conservation

As a vital resource, water must be used efficiently to promote climate resilience and food security. Implementing precision irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling techniques reduces water wastage and promotes adequate supply during dry periods. Protecting water quality through controlled runoff and buffer zones prevents contamination and preserves aquatic ecosystems, supporting consistent agricultural output.

Drought Management Plans

Drought management plans increase the availability of water and forage while maintaining ecosystem health. They use a proactive risk reduction approach to address the challenges posed by droughts, such as decreased water quantity and water quality, which are necessary for productive farms, ranches and grazing lands. Drought can also contribute to insect outbreaks, increased wildfires, and alterations in the nutrient cycle, which all impact agriculture ecosystems.

Animal Health and Performance

Climate strategies should be designed and deployed to instigate positive changes in animal production practices while also fostering long-term ecological and financial benefits for farmers and their land. Solutions must balance overall efficiency with high animal welfare and product quality standards.

Emission Reductions

Reducing enteric methane emissions is crucial for sustainable livestock production. For example, improving animal diets by incorporating high-quality forages and feed additives enhances digestion efficiency and lowers methane production as a byproduct of their digestive process.

Feed Efficiency

Optimizing feed conversion to animal protein reduces the carbon and water intensity of livestock and poultry production. Better feed efficiency promotes animal health and productivity, contributing to a more sustainable resilient agricultural system.

Livestock Supply Chain Management

Connecting cattle producers with sustainable practices at each production stage is vital for scalable value-chain solutions. Through initiatives like our JBS Farm Assurance and Green Offices programs, JBS is working to provide producers with science-based recommendations and manageable ROI strategies for positioning environmental outcomes.

Learn more about our animal care initiatives in Our Animals.

Circular Economy Solutions

Closed-loop systems for reusing and recycling waste materials and energy play an important role in the long-term viability of agricultural food production. Applying strategic, circular economy principles across our operations is an integral component of our business model, prompting us to create new businesses dedicated to this strategy. This integration supports economic growth by reducing operational costs and environmental footprints, ultimately fostering a more sustainable and resilient economy.

Renewable Energy

Converting organic waste materials into energy sources, such as biogas or biofuels, can power various stages of the animal agriculture value chain. By utilizing waste as a resource, this approach not only reduces the need for fossil fuels but also mitigates the environmental impact associated with waste disposal. This creates a synergistic cycle where waste products are continuously repurposed to generate energy.

Packaging

Designing packaging for easy recycling and incorporating recycled materials into new packaging can create closed-loop systems for ongoing reuse. Such solutions extend the life of packaging and reduce the need for single-use items, promoting sustainable production and consumption patterns.

Supply Chain Solutions

Byproduct waste streams from agriculture and animal processing can also be converted into valueadded products such as collagen, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and more. This approach to supply chain circularity fosters innovation, enhances resource efficiency, and creates new revenue streams.

Learn more about our circular economy initiatives in Circular Economy and Reverse Logistics.

Case Studies:

In 2024, JBS took a significant step toward advancing its climate strategy by establishing a global Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Working Group—a first-of-its-kind initiative within the company. This global collaboration brings together LCA experts from across JBS’s operations to enhance the quality, validity, and estimation of GHG emissions within its raw commodity supply chains.

LCA is a globally recognized leading tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. By applying LCA, JBS can not only develop more accurate baselines for its supply chain emissions but also track progress holistically over time, enabling continuous improvement and informed decision-making.

The JBS LCA Working Group aims to:

Improve scientific communication and collaboration across regions.
Establish rigorous quality standards for LCA practices.
Refine emissions baselines to better reflect JBS’s global supply chains.
Support our customers in meeting their sustainability goals through credible, data-driven insights.
Improve our business performance.

Currently, JBS is actively implementing LCA initiatives in Brazil, Europe, and Australia, with plans to expand globally.

In 2024, JBS became a proud supporter of two groundbreaking initiatives launched by Brazil’s federal government: the Agro Brasil + Sustentável Platform and the National Plan for Individual Identification of Cattle and Buffalo. These programs are designed to enhance transparency within Brazil’s cattle supply chain, fostering greater accountability and sustainability across the industry.

Through these initiatives, suppliers of all sizes will have the opportunity to generate and share critical information, including details about origin, production methods, sustainable practices, and certifications. This data will enable buyers like JBS to make informed decisions that align with environmental and ethical standards and improve the accuracy of our scope 3 GHG emissions. By supporting these efforts, JBS reinforces its dedication to promoting responsible sourcing and driving meaningful progress toward a more sustainable and traceable global food system.