Ralph Lauren commits to 100% renewable energy
Ralph Lauren Corp. is going green.
The company announced a series of sustainability pledges, including a commitment to power all of its globally owned and operated stores, distribution centers and and offices with 100% renewable electricity by 2025. It also is joining RE100, a group of the world’s most influential businesses committed to the use of renewable power.
To achieve its renewable energy goal, Ralph Lauren plans to pursue a combination of virtual power purchase agreements (VPPAs) in North America as well as assess a select number of U.S. sites for onsite solar power installations. For the remaining electricity use, the company will purchase green power products, including renewable energy certificates (RECs), guarantees of origin (GoOs) and international renewable energy credits (I-RECs).
In addition, and ahead of the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 25) in Madrid, Ralph Lauren affirmed its commitment to the Paris Agreement by joining the “We Are Still In” coalition and signed a joint letter, along with a number of leading companies and CEOs, urging the U.S. government to remain a signatory to the agreement. It also signed 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..
“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 & CEO, 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.”
Next year, Ralph Lauren will set a science-based greenhouse gas reduction target.