San Francisco — In honor of Earth Day on April 22, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is setting a science-based target (SBT) for emissions reduction across its value chain by 2030, including the goal of carbon neutrality in the company’s own operations by 2025.
Williams-Sonoma is one of the first in its industry to work with the Science-Based Targets initiative to reduce its emissions in line with climate science. Aligned with the Paris Climate Agreement, the company has set a SBT that will help keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius to avoid the worst effect of the climate crisis while establishing a pathway to net-zero emissions.
“We are thrilled to announce our new climate goals of carbon reduction across our supply chain,” says Laura Alber, president and chief executive officer of Williams-Sonoma. “We understand these commitments play an important role in the sustainability of our planet and look forward to continuing our work to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The company’s new climate goals include:
- A Science-Based Target for emissions reduction by 2030
– 50% absolute reduction in Scope 1 & 2 Emissions
– 14% absolute reduction in Scope 3 Emissions from materials, production, transportation. and product use
- Carbon Neutrality by 2025
– 100% carbon neutral in Scope 1 & 2 Emissions
To arrive at these goals, Williams-Sonoma underwent an extensive, year-long data gathering and analysis project, using third-party experts and independent research alongside company data to measure the footprint across the company’s entire value chain.
To reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the company will focus on efficiency, retrofitting its systems and upgrading to more energy-efficient equipment across its offices, stores and distribution centers, to reduce the energy used to power its operations. Additionally, it will install solar where appropriate, purchase green power when possible and support new renewable energy projects through power purchase agreements (PPAs). To lower its Scope 3 emissions in its value chain, the company will develop a preferred materials strategy and switch to lower-impact options, like recycled polyester, as well as work with key suppliers to set reduction and renewable strategies and roadmaps. Williams-Sonoma will also increase more efficient delivery for direct-to-consumer sales, ensuring customers receive its product in the lowest-impact way.
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is the world’s largest digital-first, design-led and sustainable home retailer. The company’s brands include Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pottery Barn Teen, West Elm, Williams Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation and Mark and Graham. For more information, visit https://sustainability.williams-sonomainc.com/.
SOURCE: Williams-Sonoma, Inc.