Burberry has announced a target to cut carbon emissions from its direct operations by 95% by 2022.
The luxury retailer also aims to cut emissions from its extended supply chain, including sourcing of raw materials and manufacturing of finished goods, by 30% by 2030 – the first time it has set such a target.
Both targets are based on 2016 as a base year and Burberry said its operations target was in line with reductions required to limit global warming to 1.5C, part of the Paris agreement.
The company said the targets build on its goal to become carbon neutral in operational energy use by 2022. It said it was already carbon neutral across the Americas, EMEIA retail stores and UK operations.
Burberry said it obtained 58% of total energy, and 68% of electricity, from renewable sources. During 2018-19 it reduced emissions by 43% compared to 2016.
Pam Batty, Burberry’s VP corporate responsibility, said: “For the first time, we are setting targets for greenhouse gas emissions that apply to our extended supply chain, which is a significant addition to our already ambitious target of becoming carbon neutral in our own operational energy use by 2022.
“Changing the system requires collaboration, and we will be working closely with our supply chain partners to take the action needed to stay on track and achieve our goals.”
Cynthia Cummis, director of Private Sector Climate Mitigation at World Resources Institute, one of the Science Based Targets initiative partners, said: “The fashion industry’s environmental impact is significant and growing.
“Burberry’s ambitious science-based target demonstrates the leadership and innovation needed to succeed in a zero-carbon world. To prevent catastrophic climate change, it’s important that all major apparel and footwear brands set science-based targets and pursue comprehensive strategies to decarbonize their businesses.”
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