Action Speaks Louder

lululemon has released its latest impact report, including updates on its climate and energy performance. The brand reports an increase in renewable electricity consumption for its core suppliers from 7% in 2022 to 14% in 2023. For the first time, lululemon has also shared publicly that it is working towards achieving 25% renewable electricity consumption at these suppliers by 2025. lululemon plans to use energy attribute certificates (EACs) to achieve this modest milestone, but EACs don’t necessarily help accelerate the green transition. Without a clear and transparent breakdown of its supply chain energy mix and evidence of high-quality procurement like power purchase agreements (PPAs), it is difficult to assess the potential impact of this plan. Moreover, while the brand has reported a reduction in intensity-based scope 3 emissions, this is misleading because its absolute scope 3 emissions rose by 2.5%, and emissions from manufacturing processes increased by almost 20%. Commitments are just the first step in meaningful climate action: We need to see credible strategies and evidence for how these goals will be met in 2025 and beyond. We will continue to engage directly with lululemon and closely monitor their progress away from fossil fuels and towards clean energy across the entire supply chain. Read our full analysis of lululemon’s impact report: https://lnkd.in/g9QhNQci

We need to ensure that the problems associated with our fossil fuel-based energy system, such as the exploitation of workers and communities, destruction of nature, wildlife and biodiversity, and unfair distribution of wealth and profits, are not simply repeated or perpetuated under a clean energy system.

Stress, grief, anxiety. Climate change takes a toll on workers’ mental health. The International Labour Organizationsays excessive heat affects 70% of the global workforce. On top of extreme heat in their workplaces, those in polluting industries like textiles and steelmaking face even tougher challenges, from poor working conditions to low wages and, for many migrant workers, social isolation. Every worker deserves mental well-being. That’s why a just transition must prioritize not only fair pay and decent working conditions, but also the health and safety of workers on the frontlines of climate crisis. #mentalhealthday #justtransition #climatejustice

On 18 September 2024, lululemon released its latest annual Impact Report, including updates on its climate and energy performance. Here is our analysis of key updates and criteria for a strong Climate Plan, ensuring lululemon provides clear evidence of progress going forward.

Catch our Campaign Lead George Harding-Rolls at BusinessGreen’s Net Zero Festival in London on October 23rd! George will lead a discussion on corporate reputational risks and how companies can effectively engage with nonprofits to drive meaningful impact. #NetZeroFestival #NetZero

The majority of Canon Inc.'s emissions and energy use are in East and Southeast Asia — regions that are experiencing the most drastic impacts of climate change and where renewable energy infrastructure is still lacking. While Canon claims it’s committed to reducing emissions, it hasn’t set a global renewable energy target unlike its competitors Sony and Nikon. What’s stopping Canon from doing the same? Contributing to this concern is Taishi Sugiyama, the head researcher of the Canon Institute for Global Studies. Sugiyama is a climate denier. He regularly publishes articles questioning climate science and has lobbied the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry against increasing the share of renewable energy in Japan's energy mix. This stance is concerning since Japan is the sixth biggest emitter in the world. Could Sugiyama's climate skepticism be influencing Canon's reluctance to commit to renewable energy targets?

Along with reducing overproduction and adopting circular systems, fashion companies must urgently phase out fossil fuels in their supply chains. This is not just about climate mitigation but also about addressing adaptation and resilience for communities already experiencing climate impacts fuelled by the fashion industry's growth. Climate action, however, isn’t the sole responsibility of suppliers—many of whom already operate on razor-thin margins. It requires a collaborative and equitable effort, with brands paying their fair share of investing in renewable solutions to clean up their carbon footprint. As Rachel Cernansky writes for Vogue Business: “Brands continue to talk to suppliers rather than with them, advocates insist, making a [just transition] all but impossible — and endangering their chances of meeting their own emissions goals in the process."

Major companies have the responsibility to invest in the green transition instead of burdening the substantial carbon footprints of the products they profit from on the suppliers, whom they squeeze on margins, and ultimately to workers who are paid less than a living wage, leaving them very little resilience to the impacts of the climate crisis. Read on to know why we support a just transition as we hold companies accountable for their climate promises: https://lnkd.in/gA3cWYnK

“We want brands and suppliers to have really strong credible emissions reduction targets,” says Ruth MacGilp, fashion campaign manager at Action Speaks Louder. “But those need to be backed up by strategies that work country by country.” For suppliers to set credible science-based targets, they need to know their customers will support them in meeting those targets. This requires significant time and resources and a considered context-specific approach. Decarbonizing fashion supply chains will only be possible if there is genuine collaboration and engagement between brands and their suppliers, which must be rooted in meaningful financial support and incentives, not just empty promises.

🔈 We're hiring a Senior Steel Strategist! The Senior Steel Strategist will create an incentive for the steel industry to decarbonize. That means working to generate demand for green steel amongst customers, disincentivizing production of dirty steel, and supporting solutions work with leading stakeholders and government that makes it easier for companies to transition. If you're an experienced creative strategist with an ambition to deliver global, high-impact campaigns, this role would suit you. Learn more about this exciting opportunity and how to apply for this role on our website ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gT5TpQba #climatejobs #greenjobs #hiringnow #greensteel #nonprofitjobs #remote #campaigning #campaignstrategy