Ralph Lauren sets renewable energy target for 2025

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Dec 3, 2019

Ralph Lauren has made several new additions to its list of sustainability commitments, now pledging to power all of its globally owned and operated offices, distribution centers and stores with 100% renewable electricity by 2025.  

In order to reach this goal, the brand said it will pursue a combination of virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in North America, and assess a select number of U.S. sites for onsite solar power installations.

For the remaining electricity use, the brand said it will purchase Green Power Products, including Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) and International Renewable Energy Credits (I-RECs).

In addition, the brand has signed onto RE100, a global corporate leadership initiative led by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP that brings together businesses committed to 100% renewable electricity.

Finally, Ralph Lauren signed onto two new commitments in the lead up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 25) in Madrid, taking place from December 2 through December 13. '

The brand joined the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, which contains several climate-related commitments, including prioritizing the use of raw materials with low-climate impact and pursuing energy efficiency measures and renewable energy across the supply chain; in addition to joining the “We Are Still In” coalition.

As a member of the coalition, the brand signed a joint letter urging the United States government to remain a signatory to the Paris Agreement.

“A world that is beautiful and cared for is the ultimate luxury, and we have a role to play in protecting it by addressing our impacts and creating a more sustainable future,” said Patrice Louvet, president and chief executive officer of Ralph Lauren Corp.

“Today, we strengthen our commitment to address climate change, one of the biggest challenges facing our world, by joining the movement of companies driving the adoption of renewable energy and affirming our support for the Paris Agreement.”

The latest green developments follow Ralph Lauren’s launch of its new global citizenship and sustainability strategy, “Design the Change,” in June, in addition to the brand becoming a member of the “Fashion Pact” in August. 

Looking forward, the brand said it will set a science-based greenhouse gas reduction target next year.