// Decathlon commits to science-based emissions targets and signs global climate charter
// In the UK, it has committed to reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 75%
// Decathlon has signed the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action
Decathlon has announced its formal commitment to science-based emissions targets in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement.
The sportswear and goods retailer has also signed the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, an industry-led initiative under the aegis of UN Climate Change.
Decathlon said it was committed to reducing its UK carbon dioxide emissions associated with direct and indirect emissions linked to buying electricity by 75 per cent.
The retailer also wants to get its main suppliers to set their own science-based targets by 2024.
In order to achieve its sustainability goals, Decathlon had sought approval on its targets from the Science Based Target (SBT) initiative, which has approved its climate change commitments.
READ MORE: Decathlon to create 200 new jobs by 2021
These targets will be supplemented by a group-wide target to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per product sold by 40 per cent between 2016 and 2026 for all its sports categories.
Decathlon wants to achieve these targets by a number of sustainable strategies, including using 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2026 in its stores – including its 45 in the UK – and warehouses.
In addition, Decathlon said 100 per cent of its new products will be eco-designed by 2021 and the retailer will also investigate into developing the sale of second-hand products throughout the store.
Decathlon is also striving towards using just one per cent air freight for its transportation needs and reduce the impact of other means of transport, such as through maritime or road.
This means increasing the share of sustainable transport in Decathlon teammates and customers’ journeys.
“As a global sports apparel and equipment manufacturer and retailer, we have a responsibility to bring our emissions down in line with what the science tells us is needed,” Decathlon sustainability chief officer Isabelle Guyader said.
“We think we can do this best by adopting formal science-based targets and by working with others across the apparel and fashion sector under the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action Framework.”
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