Burberry receives SBTi approval for sustainability targets

Luxury fashion brand Burberry has received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its net-zero emissions target.

The announcement confirms that the goals Burberry has set to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 are based on the latest climate science and meet the need to keep warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement.

Burberry’s net-zero target is underpinned by a series of commitments across scope one, two and three emissions. Scopes one and two cover emissions generated from Burberry’s own operations, such as electricity and gas in stores, manufacturing hubs and offices. Scope three refers to emissions in the brand's extended supply chain, such as energy usage by manufacturing and material sourcing partners.

In the near term, Burberry has committed to reduce absolute scope one and two greenhouse gas emissions 95% by 2023 from a 2017 base year, and reduce absolute scope three GHG emissions 46.2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year.

In the long term, the fashion brand has committed to maintaining at least 95% absolute scope one and two GHG reductions from 2023 through 2040 against a FY2017 base year, while reducing absolute scope three GHG emissions 90% by 2040 from a 2019 base year.

Burberry’s net-zero emissions target builds on the British luxury brand’s longstanding commitment to reduce its direct and indirect environmental impacts and make a positive difference. 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.

Caroline Laurie, VP of Corporate Responsibility at Burberry, said: “The Science Based Targets initiative 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.

"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.”

Luiz Amaral, CEO of the SBTi, 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.”