River Island becomes the latest fashion brand to have its emissions targets approved by SBTi

river island has committed a number of long- and short-term emissions reduction targets, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), with the aim of reaching net zero by 2040.

It comes as the latest data from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shows it is still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C, but the world is dangerously close to that threshold.

The UN described these findings as a “code red for humanity” and encouraged companies to make rapid and deep emissions cuts to halve global emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.

The approved science-based targets at River Island are:

• River Island is committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 (direct) greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2030, compared to the 2019 base year.
• Complete neutralization of residual emissions by 2030 to achieve net-zero direct emissions (scope 1 and 2).
• River Island is committed to reducing absolute scope 3 (indirect) greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2032, compared to the 2021 base year.
• Net zero carbon emissions by the end of 2040, by reducing absolute Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to the 2021 base year.
• The fashion chain also plans to continue to source 100% renewable electricity annually until 2030.

In addition to these commitments, River Island is asking all stakeholders to also commit to science-based 1.5°C and net zero targets.

It comes after the fashion brand joined the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) Climate Action Roadmap in 2020, supporting its desire to achieve net-zero emissions in the fashion industry by 2040.

José Arguedas, head of sustainability at River Island, said: “We are incredibly proud to announce that our net zero targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

“Tackling climate change requires ambitious action from the retail sector and our validated, science-based targets demonstrate our commitment to building a sustainable economy: by doing not what is easy, but what is necessary.”

Setting science-based targets and commitments is one part of River Island’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes twelve commitments aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Last week fellow fashion brand New Look also had its emissions targets approved by the SBTi after launching its sustainability strategy two years ago. Earlier this year, N Brown Group had also approved its objectives.

Other companies taking action include Burberry, H&M Group, Procter & Gamble, Tesco and Landsec.