Burberry is the first luxury fashion brand and one of the first companies globally to receive approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its net-zero emissions target.
The targets: According to Burberry, the company has set net-zero emissions by 2040 based on the latest climate science and meet the urgent need to keep warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement.
- Burberry’s net zero target is underpinned by a series of commitments across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
- In the near term, the company has committed to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 95% by 2023 from a 2017 base year, and reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year.
- In the long term, Burberry has committed to maintaining at least 95% absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG reductions from 2023 through 2040 against a FY2017 base year, while reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90% by 2040 from a 2019 base year.
The emissions: Scopes 1 and 2 cover emissions generated from Burberry’s own operations, such as electricity and gas in stores, manufacturing hubs and offices. Scope 3 refers to emissions in Burberry’s extended supply chain, such as energy usage by manufacturing and material sourcing partners.
- Burberry’s net zero emissions target builds on the British luxury brand’s longstanding commitment to reduce its direct and indirect environmental impacts and make a positive difference to the lives of people around the world.
- Burberry, the company claims, is currently carbon neutral across its own operations globally, all the electricity it uses is from renewable sources and almost every product it makes has a social or environmental benefit.
- Over the past five years, Burberry’s community programmes have positively impacted more than 1 million people, the company claims.
What they said:
Rooting our commitments in science has always been a priority at Burberry, so we can ensure the steps we are taking will have the necessary impact and bring about lasting change. We continue to challenge ourselves to drive measurement, improvement and transparency across our operations and we are committed to continue working with our suppliers and partners to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable practices. We hope this encourages others to do the same.
— Caroline Laurie
Vice-President (Corporate Responsibility)
Burberry
Climate science tells us that we need rapid and deep emissions cuts if we are to achieve global net-zero and prevent the most damaging effects of climate change. Burberry’s net-zero targets match the urgency of the climate crisis and set a clear example that their peers must follow.
— Luiz Amaral
Chief Executive Officer
Science Based Targets initiative
