Estée Lauder achieves climate milestones, sets new targets

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Nov 4, 2020

The Estée Lauder Companies announced on Tuesday that it has been successful in achieving its net zero emissions and RE100 goals for 2020. 

Estée Lauder confirmed that it is now sourcing 100 percent renewable electricity for its operations globally.

Moreover, it set new science-based emissions reduction targets for its direct operations and value chain, pledging to reduce its direct absolute Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030, using 2018 as a base year. It also committed to reducing scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, and business travel by 60 percent per unit revenue over the same timeframe. 

The company said the new targets have been approved by the independent Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi).  

“Today’s announcement signals a new level of ambition and dedication to climate action for The Estée Lauder Companies. Setting ambitious targets in line with the latest climate science is testament to our values and commitment to managing our business for the long term,” said Fabrizio Freda, president and chief executive officer of The Estée Lauder Companies.

“In this decisive decade for climate action, we will continue to accelerate efforts to ensure a healthy, beautiful planet for generations to come.”

The company achieved its net zero emissions by reducing its operational carbon footprint through various credits including a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) for 22 megawatts (MW) of wind power from the Ponderosa wind farm in Oklahoma. 

The company further added to its global renewable energy portfolio by installing ground-mount and rooftop on-site solar arrays at its facilities around the world, bringing the company’s global total to more than 5 MW of solar capacity. To address any remaining annual emissions from operations, Estée Lauder purchased offsets from the Massachusetts Tri-City Forestry project in North America. 

“The Estée Lauder Companies has been deeply committed to climate action for many years and, in 2020, we not only stayed true to our commitments, but took steps to further accelerate progress. At such a critical time for our planet and communities around the world, we know this work is more important than ever,” added Nancy Mahon, senior VP, global corporate citizenship and sustainability. 

“The events of this year have only underscored the urgency and imperative of climate action and we’re committed to doing our part, collaborating with partners to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time.”