Target puts greenhouse gases in crosshairs
Target Corp. has expanded its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint — and its suppliers will play a key role in the initiative.
The discount giant is releasing a new set of goals to scale back its carbon footprint that build on an initial climate policy released in October 2017. Target’s latest sustainability goals tackle greenhouse gas emissions generated across three scopes. Scope 1 is emissions generated from Target facilities, Scope 2 is emissions from energy purchased to power Target facilities, and Scope 3 is emissions generated from the entire supply chain.
By 2030, Target intends to reduce its total Scope 1,2 and 3 emissions by 30% below 2017 levels. The retailer is also committing that 80% of its suppliers will set science-based reduction targets on their Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2023.
To help meet these goals and align with the requirements of the global Paris Agreement climate accord, Target is partnering with sustainability consultancy Anthesis.
To reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Target says it will continue to ramp up investments in renewable energy and energy saving efforts across its business. This includes installing LED lights, as well as operating a Texas wind power project that offsets the electricity use of 60 area stores. Target is also adding solar rooftop panels at 500 locations by 2020.
To reduce Scope 3 emissions, Target plans to work with its suppliers to transition to renewable energy sources and implement their own emissions reduction projects. Target will also partner with the Apparel Impact Institute to scale performance improvement programs that focus on reducing energy use and emissions in its suppliers’ factories. In addition, Target will continue supporting the Vietnam Improvement Program in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, focusing on boosting resource efficiency in Vietnamese garment sourcing operations.
“Our new climate goals will reduce our carbon footprint from source to shelf, as we work alongside our partners within our supply chain to lower emissions and help create a better tomorrow,” said Brian Cornell, chairman and CEO, Target. “We have a responsibility to our guests and the environment to set high expectations and encourage ambitious reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, promoting positive change throughout the industry to have an even greater impact for generations to come.”
The discount giant is releasing a new set of goals to scale back its carbon footprint that build on an initial climate policy released in October 2017. Target’s latest sustainability goals tackle greenhouse gas emissions generated across three scopes. Scope 1 is emissions generated from Target facilities, Scope 2 is emissions from energy purchased to power Target facilities, and Scope 3 is emissions generated from the entire supply chain.
By 2030, Target intends to reduce its total Scope 1,2 and 3 emissions by 30% below 2017 levels. The retailer is also committing that 80% of its suppliers will set science-based reduction targets on their Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2023.
To help meet these goals and align with the requirements of the global Paris Agreement climate accord, Target is partnering with sustainability consultancy Anthesis.
To reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Target says it will continue to ramp up investments in renewable energy and energy saving efforts across its business. This includes installing LED lights, as well as operating a Texas wind power project that offsets the electricity use of 60 area stores. Target is also adding solar rooftop panels at 500 locations by 2020.
To reduce Scope 3 emissions, Target plans to work with its suppliers to transition to renewable energy sources and implement their own emissions reduction projects. Target will also partner with the Apparel Impact Institute to scale performance improvement programs that focus on reducing energy use and emissions in its suppliers’ factories. In addition, Target will continue supporting the Vietnam Improvement Program in partnership with the International Finance Corporation, focusing on boosting resource efficiency in Vietnamese garment sourcing operations.
“Our new climate goals will reduce our carbon footprint from source to shelf, as we work alongside our partners within our supply chain to lower emissions and help create a better tomorrow,” said Brian Cornell, chairman and CEO, Target. “We have a responsibility to our guests and the environment to set high expectations and encourage ambitious reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, promoting positive change throughout the industry to have an even greater impact for generations to come.”