Ralph Lauren commits to attaining net-zero world GHG emissions
Ralph Lauren is a partner of Indigo Ag, the first scalable, registry-approved CO2 allowance for agriculture
Ralph Lauren Corporation has announced its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from its operations and value chain by 2040. The company has also published a detailed net zero commitment, its strategy for achieving net zero and advancing established sustainability goals.
This new strategy builds on the company’s existing GHG reduction commitment to reduce absolute GHG emissions in the entire company and in the supply chain by 30% by 2030 compared to the level of the 2020 financial year. It includes scalable investments in credible, nature-based carbon removal starting with an initial partnership with Indigo Ag, the first scalable, registry-approved emission allowances for agriculture.
“Climate change is one of the most complex and difficult problems of our time – one that requires innovation, collaboration, technology and a fundamental change in behavior to resolve,” said Patrice Louvet, President & CEO, Ralph Lauren Corporation. “Our net zero target and our roadmap are anchored in our conviction that we can bring about the necessary change through conscious action in order to reduce our climate impact and create a more sustainable future for future generations.”
The company’s net zero approach includes reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by using 100% renewable electricity in its branches, offices and distribution centers by 2025. To reduce emissions from Scope 3 sources, Ralph Lauren works with suppliers through collective action and strategic programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in production facilities to reduce the amount of emissions that arise in the manufacture of its products.
In addition, the company plans to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of its raw materials by switching to preferred fibers with lower emissions than conventionally grown fibers. In the coming years, Ralph Lauren expects to expand its emissions reduction tactics to work with suppliers through joint action programs that will accelerate and empower the standardized approach to setting carbon targets and low carbon action plans at the factory level , and implementing climate strategies aligned with Ralph Lauren’s net zero goals.
Ralph Lauren’s Net Zero Plan goes beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and suppliers in its value chain. For emissions that cannot be reduced through direct actions and joint initiatives by Ralph Lauren, the company will purchase high quality, traceable carbon removals by 2040 that match its remaining greenhouse gas emissions.
To that end, Ralph Lauren will commit to carbon elimination projects starting in fiscal 2022 in partnership with Indigo Ag, an Ag-Tech company dedicated to improving the profitability, sustainability and social responsibility of the farming system.
Through the Indigo Carbon program, Indigo Ag supports farmers in introducing new, beneficial cultivation methods; measures and validates the resulting carbon sequestration and emission reduction; and enables companies to directly support farmers’ transition by purchasing verified agricultural emission allowances.
In line with his commitment to the climate goals set out in the Paris Agreement, Ralph Lauren’s new net zero pledge is the latest significant step in mitigating the impact of its global operations and an integral part of Design the Change, the company’s global citizenship & sustainability strategy .
