Leading sports retailer has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions by 75%. © Decathlon

Decathlon, a leading sports retailer, has announced its formal commitment to science-based emissions targets in line with the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and its signing of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.

In order to achieve its sustainability goals, the company has sought approval on its targets from the Science Based Target (SBT) initiative, which has approved its Climate Change commitments. Decathlon has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions associated with direct and indirect emissions linked to buying electricity by 75% and getting its main suppliers to set their own science-based targets by 2024.

These targets will be supplemented by a group-wide target to reduce CO2 emissions per product sold by 40% between 2016 and 2026 for all its sports categories.

Sustainable strategies

The news comes as it is revealed that Decathlon has also signed the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, an industry-led initiative under the aegis of UN Climate Change, in order to help achieve its targets and encourage climate action across the sector

Decathlon aims to achieve these targets by a number of sustainable strategies, including using 100% renewable electricity by 2026 in its stores – including its 45 in the UK - and warehouses, whilst supporting its industrial partners to do the same.

In addition to this, 100% of new Decathlon products will be eco-designed by 2021 and it will also investigate into developing the sale of second-hand products throughout the store. The company is also striving towards using just 1% air freight for its transportation needs and reduce the impact of other means of transport.

 Encouraging climate action

To help achieve its targets, and support and encourage climate action across the sector, Decathlon has in parallel signed the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, an industry-led initiative under the aegis of UN Climate Change. “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,” commented Isabelle Guyader, Decathlon’s Sustainability Chief Officer.

“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.”

Alexander Farsan, Global Lead for science-based targets at WWF, one of the Science Based Targets initiative partners added: “Congratulations to Decathlon on having their emissions reduction targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. By setting targets that align their business with global efforts to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, Decathlon is positioning itself to thrive as the global economy transitions to a low-carbon future.”

Decathlon has 45 stores in the UK and sells a variety of sports equipment, clothing and accessories perfect for those want to get active or excel their performance.

www.decathlon.co.uk