Burberry receives SBTi approval for net-zero emissions target

British luxury brand Burberry has received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its net-zero emissions target. This validation confirms that the goals Burberry has set to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 are based on the latest climate science and meet the urgent need to keep warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement, the company said.

Burberry’s net-zero target is underpinned by a series of commitments across scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, the company said in a press release.

In the near term, the company commit’s to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 95 per cent by 2023 from a 2017 base year, and reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 46.2 per cent by 2030 from a 2019 base year. In the long term, it commits to maintaining at least 95 per cent absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG reductions from 2023 through 2040 against a FY2017 base year, while reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90 per cent by 2040 from a 2019 base year.

Scopes 1 and 2 cover emissions generated from Burberry’s own operations, such as electricity and gas in stores, manufacturing hubs and offices. Scope 3 refers to emissions in Burberry’s extended supply chain, such as energy usage by manufacturing and material sourcing partners.

Burberry is currently carbon neutral across its own operations globally, all the electricity it uses is from renewable sources and almost every product it makes has a social or environmental benefit. Over the past five years, Burberry’s community programmes have positively impacted more than one million people.

“The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) plays a critical role in ensuring ambitions set by businesses are in line with the latest climate science and will contribute to tackling the climate emergency. Rooting our commitments in science has always been a priority at Burberry, so we can ensure the steps we are taking will have the necessary impact and bring about lasting change. We continue to challenge ourselves to drive measurement, improvement and transparency across our operations and we are committed to continue working with our suppliers and partners to accelerate the adoption of more sustainable practices. We hope this encourages others to do the same,” Caroline Laurie, VP of corporate responsibility, Burberry, said.

“Climate science tells us that we need rapid and deep emissions cuts if we are to achieve global net-zero and prevent the most damaging effects of climate change. Burberry’s net-zero targets match the urgency of the climate crisis and set a clear example that their peers must follow,” Luiz Amaral, chief executive officer of SBTi, said.