Shein unveils plans to reduce emissions
Fast fashion brand Shein has announced plans to reduce emissions within its operations by 2030.
Shein has partnered with quality assurance provider Intertek to measure its 2021 carbon footprint impact, calculate its Scope 3 baseline emissions and identify Science-Based Targets through jointly conducted interactive workshops.
The collaboration has resulted in the following goals, which are being submitted via a commitment letter for validation by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi):
- Scope 1: Reduce absolute emissions generated from Shein operations by 42% by 2030.
- Scope 2: Purchase renewable energy certificates for 100% of electricity used in Shein operations by 2030.
- Scope 3: Reduce absolute emissions across Shein's entire supply chain by 25% by 2030.
To reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions, Shein will increase investments in energy-saving efforts across its operations, complemented by the purchase of renewable energy certificates.
As Scope 3 generates the largest portion of Shein's emissions, the brand said it's "critical" that it works closely with expert partners to collaborate on a transition to renewable energy sources and carbon reduction plans.
Shein has said it is committing up to $7.6 million in programmatic funding to Apparel Impact Institute, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to decarbonising and modernising the fashion industry supply chain, to build the roadmap for emissions reduction within Shein's supply chain.
Adam Whinston, Global Head of ESG at Shein, said: "We’re taking a significant step forward, announcing a new set of 2030 goals that will help us accomplish emissions reduction targets for our entire supply chain over the next seven years.
"Our partnerships further demonstrate our commitment to implementing long-term initiatives to empower suppliers and work to promote sustainable innovation focusing on reducing carbon emissions. This announcement further solidifies our commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility initiatives at a company level."
In June 2022, Shein announced it would donate $15 million over three years to a charity working at Kantamanto in Accra, the world’s largest secondhand clothing market.
