River Island has firmly established itself as a frontrunner in the fashion industry's sustainability movement, as it announces a series of ambitious emissions reduction targets. Aligned with the rigorous standards set forth by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the renowned high street retailer is poised to make significant strides towards environmental stewardship.
Central to River Island's pledge is the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2040. Spearheading this effort is a commitment to slashing absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by a staggering 90% by 2030, based on 2019 levels. Moreover, the company aims to neutralize any remaining emissions by 2030, effectively achieving net-zero status for its direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2).
Advancing Sustainability Beyond Direct Emissions
In addition to addressing direct emissions, River Island has set its sights on tackling indirect emissions (scope 3), aiming for a 30% reduction by 2032 from a 2021 baseline. By 2040, the company aims to further mitigate its environmental impact by slashing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 90%, compared to 2021 levels, culminating in net-zero carbon emissions by the end of the same year.
Furthermore, River Island remains steadfast in its commitment to renewable energy, pledging to exclusively source 100% renewable electricity annually through 2030. This strategic move underscores the company's dedication to reducing its carbon footprint and transitioning towards cleaner energy alternatives.
River Island's Call to Stakeholders and Commitment to Sustainable Action
Not content with merely internal initiatives, River Island is urging all stakeholders to embrace science-based targets, aligning with the imperative of limiting global warming to 1.5°C and achieving net-zero emissions. This call to action demonstrates the company's holistic approach to sustainability, recognizing the collective responsibility shared by all actors within the fashion industry.
José Arguedas, River Island's Head of Sustainability, emphasizes the necessity of bold and decisive action in combating climate change. He affirms, "Tackling climate change requires ambitious action from the retail sector, and our validated science-based targets prove our commitment to building a sustainable economy: by doing not what is easy, but what is necessary." River Island's unwavering dedication to environmental responsibility sets a commendable example for the entire fashion industry, inspiring meaningful change and driving towards a more sustainable future for all.
Science-Based Targets (SBTs) and the Net-Zero Standard
SBTs, unlike traditional "potential-based targets," employ a "top-down" approach, focusing on reducing emissions to align with the Paris Climate Agreement's goals of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. The recently launched Net-Zero Standard provides companies with a science-based framework to set ambitious climate targets, aiming for net-zero emissions in the long term. Spearheaded by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), in collaboration with CDP, UNGC, WRI, and WWF, this initiative sets criteria for effective corporate climate action, validating targets that consider scopes 1 and 2 emissions according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standard. Companies with scope 3 emissions exceeding 40% of their total emissions must also include scope 3 targets.