// John Lewis Partnership gets net-zero science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative
// It’s the first retailer in the UK to receive approval from the official body
John Lewis Partnership has become the first UK retailer to have its net-zero science-based targets validated by the official target-setting body.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – the gold standard for setting and monitoring corporate climate targets – has approved the retailer’s target to become net-zero across its own operations by 2035 and across the wider supply chain by 2050.
John Lewis said the achievement demonstrates its commitment to limit the global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsuis target, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning
The Partnership says it has also become the first retailer to have its validated SBTi science-based targets focused on greenhouse gas emissions originating from ‘forests, land and agriculture’.
Environment lead Simon Winch said: “Coming up with a set of credible targets for our road to net-zero is the culmination of many months of focused work and determined preparation.
“Validation by SBTi gives us great confidence in the targets and our plans.
“But we know this is only the start. The validation of our science-based targets will turbocharge the change needed in our business to transform how we operate and help ensure that the world remains in sight of limiting global warming to no more than 1.5°C.”
John Lewis Partnership chairman Sharon White has recently pledged to return the retailer to profit before 2026, adding the five-year recovery plan would create “a broadly based business with brilliant retail at the core, built on excellent customer service, quality and ethics”.
Click here to sign up to Retail Gazette‘s free daily email newsletter
