VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Lululemon, global performance apparel, footwear, and accessories company, has publicly committed to achieving a 50% renewable electricity target across its core suppliers by 2030. The commitment is being applauded by Stand.earth because it represents an important step in Lululemon’s work to demonstrate a pathway toward delivering on its Net Zero goal. Stand.earth will monitor progress and urges Lululemon to continually prioritize rapid implementation and strong climate ambition.
This development follows Stand.earth’s multi-year campaign urging the apparel maker to transition its supply chain away from fossil fuels and toward clean, renewable energy sources. Stand.earth is excited to see this milestone, and looks forward to seeing more detail about Lululemon’s energy transition strategy in future climate transition plan disclosures and progress reporting.
Lululemon’s steady action and the 50% renewable electricity target represent meaningful progress. Stand.earth emphasizes that implementation and accountability determine the true climate impact of this commitment. Stand.earth applauds Lululemon for signaling a prioritization toward high-impact renewable electricity solutions that lead to tangible climate benefits. Its intent to minimize the use of lower-impact Energy Attribute Certificates (EACs) where possible demonstrates a commitment to meaningful climate action. In turn, this prioritization needs to be realized into action with clear policies and investment to support suppliers to make the transition.
Lululemon’s renewable electricity target aligns with growing consumer demand for climate accountability from global fashion brands. While pleased to see this commitment, Stand.earth also notes that the overall energy mix is more than just electricity. Heat-based processes like dyeing – which are not included in this specific sub-target – represent the majority of manufacturing emissions, and while the company has a commitment to eliminate on-site coal by 2030 and demonstrates steps to support action from its suppliers, it must increase its transparency when it comes to phasing out coal, and prioritize transitioning its thermal processes to renewable energy.
Lululemon’s actions and this new commitment set a strong pace for the company and builds on its ongoing work, which includes key partnerships and investments, such as the Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) Clean Energy Procurement Academy, Asia Clean Energy Coalition (ACEC) and material innovators like Geno, Samsara Eco and ZymoChem.
Fashion remains one of the world’s most polluting industries, responsible for at least 4% of all climate pollution. Emissions for the sector are forecasted to increase, but actions like those committed to by Lululemon today can and must reverse this trend. With many major brands pursuing renewable energy and transitioning towards sustainability in their supply chains, Lululemon’s new target will be a major momentum-builder toward shifting the sector, making it increasingly difficult for the laggards to ignore their responsibilities.
