Climate change is a challenge that compels the search for various ways to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
One approach is to encourage businesses to improve their processes, increase transparency, and responsibly assess the environmental impact of their activities. In this process, the contribution of both governments and businesses is essential—by taking responsibility for their environmental footprint, adopting innovations, and implementing sustainable practices. Companies are becoming drivers of change, as the decisions they make today will shape the environment we live in tomorrow.
This year, for the first time in Lithuania, the Climate Leaders 2025 awards were held. The Lithuanian Fund for Nature, together with the Environmental Management and Technology Centre, invited transportation, industrial, and agricultural companies to participate.
The Agrokoncernas Group received an award in the category of large agricultural companies. The recognition was granted for sustainable agricultural practices—including the application of no-till technologies, the expansion of biomethane power plants, the active increase of renewable energy use within the company’s operations, and the implementation of precision technologies.
The award was accepted by Dr. Miglė Jakučionytė-Skodienė, Head of Sustainability and Innovation at Agrokoncernas Group. According to her, the group aims to increase operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact by relying on science, data analysis, and advanced technologies that help optimize processes and mitigate climate impact.
“The first step was to measure the impact we create, assess the significant risks and opportunities, and then develop a sustainability strategy,” she explains.
This year, the group’s major companies—Agrokoncernas and Agrokoncerno grūdai—became the first in the agricultural sector to prepare and publicly present sustainability reports based on the latest European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
These reports define the indicators that will be systematically monitored, measured, and evaluated with the goal of reducing the company’s negative impact on the environment.
“The Climate Leaders award is recognition that we are moving in the right direction. Precision technologies, solar energy, a biomethane plant, cooperation with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences on livestock research, and a sustainability report aligned with the latest requirements—these are important steps in our journey. Our ultimate goal is continuous improvement. This is what we have strived for, continue to strive for, and will pursue together with the entire team,” she says.
The organizers of the Climate Leaders 2025 awards highlight that, according to the 2025 GHG emissions report, the largest share of emissions in Lithuania originated from transportation (34.6%), energy (29.8%), agriculture (12.9%), and industry (11%).
According to Edmundas Greimas, Director of the Lithuanian Fund for Nature, although businesses generate a major share of emissions, they also have the greatest capacity to adapt, adopt innovations, and demonstrate leadership.
“Sustainability is no longer a trend—it is a necessity. Furthermore, the European Green Deal aims to make Europe the first climate-neutral continent by 2050. We all must move in that direction,” the environmental expert emphasizes.
