Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action

Recognizing that:

  • the Paris Agreement represents a global response to the scientific consensus that human activity is causing global average temperatures to rise at unprecedented rates;
  • the Paris Agreement, in enhancing the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), brings together Parties under a common framework to aim to hold the increase in the global average temperature to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as recommended by the IPCC;
  • the goals agreed in the Paris Agreement translate to achieving net-zero GHG Emissions in the second half of the twenty-first century. The fashion industry, as a major global player, needs to take an active part in contributing to the realization of these goals;
  • climate action under the Paris Agreement requires commitment, ingenuity and finance engagement by policymakers, the private sector and finance community;
  • delivering on the climate agenda also contributes to the broader Sustainable Development Goals;
  • current solutions and business models will not be sufficient to deliver on the current climate agenda. Fashion industry needs to embrace a deeper, more systemic change and scale low-carbon solutions;
  • the fashion industry stakeholders have a role to play in reducing climate emissions resulting from their operations, with an awareness that the majority of climate impact within the industry lies in manufacturing of products and materials;
  • all companies, within fashion, retail and textile global value chain, regardless of size and geography, have opportunities to take actions that will result in a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions;
  • actions that reduce GHG emissions are consistent with, among other things, expanding economic opportunity, using resources more efficiently, driving economic competitiveness and innovation, and strengthening resilience;
  • responding to climate change requires action on both mitigation and adaptation, with special regards to those that are most vulnerable.

 

My company commits to:

  1. Support the ambition of the Paris Agreement in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by selecting one of the two options (a or b):
  • Setting SBTI2approved science-based emissions reduction targets on scope 1, 2 and 3 within 24 months, in line with the latest criteria and recommendations of the SBTi; and commit to achieving net zero emissions no later than 2050;
    • OR
  • Setting at least 50 per cent absolute aggregate GHG emission reductions in scope 1, 2 and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Standard, by 2030 against a baseline of no earlier than 2019 and commit to achieving net zero emissions no later than 2050;
  • Within 12 months submit relevant reduction pathway plans for the selected 2030 goal under commitment 1, as well as plans for goals 4-13, and provide updates every 3 years thereafter;
To support delivery of these targets my company commits to:
  • Ambitiously pursue energy efficiency across its own operations and value chain, forscope 1, 2 and 3 emissions;
  • Secure 100% of electricity from renewable sources with minimal other environmental or social impacts, for owned and operated (scope 2) emissions by 2030;
  • Source 100% of priority materials that are both preferred and low climate impact by 2030, ensuring that these do not negatively affect other sustainable development goals. This includes pursuing materials that are closed loop recycled, deforestation free and conversion free in their origins, apply regenerative practices, and that relevant verification and impact measurement mechanisms have been applied;
  • Creating engagement and incentive mechanisms for all relevant supplier sites (Tier 1 and 2 sites for brands and immediate sub-suppliers for producers) to implement approved science based aligned targets by the end of 2025 (as outlined above commitment 1. a), or to adopt a 50% absolute target by 2030 and net zero by 2050 (as outlined above in commitment 1.b);
  • Phasing out coal from owned and supplier sites (Tier 1 and Tier 2 for brands and immediate sub-suppliers for producers) as soon as possible and latest by 2030, including no new coal power by January 2023 at the latest, and creating engagement and incentive mechanisms for all relevant suppliers to support phase-out;
  • Commit to developing and implementing a company climate policy advocacy plan for net-zero emissions, aligning with collectively developed Fashion Charter policy recommendations including calling on governments to develop ambitious strategies that chart a clear path to achieving interim 2030 targets and net-zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest, and identifying relevant policy levers to support low carbon technologies and uptake of renewable energy;
  • Actively engage in building dialogue with financial institutions to share specific industry funding needs for delivery on shared Charter activities and increase understanding of investment needs and available funding sources for the industry transition;
  • Work with logistic service providers to transition to zero emission air, sea and road logistics for own and contracted transportation – including selecting logistics partners with transparent emissions data and goals to achieve zero emissions solutions, and reconfiguring company logistics plans for optimal GHG impact;
  • Align consumer and industry communication efforts to a 1.5-degree or SBTi compatible pathway, as set out by the Paris Agreement Goals, as well as a more just and equitable future;
  • Actively support the UN Climate Change secretariat and other Charter signatories in efforts to deliver shared Charter goals and manage the tracking and recognition of progress of the commitments outlined in the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.