FASHION REVOLUTION | FASHION TRANSPARENCY INDEX 2021
VIEWPOINT: TRANSPARENCY ON CARBON FOOTPRINTS IS KEY TO CREDIBILITY OF BRANDS’ SCIENCEBASED TARGETS
It is heartening to see the increase in transparency in all areas in this 2021 report and the new indicators that have been added this year are really important. A large number of brands have signed up to sector pledges like the UN Fashion Charter and the G7 Fashion Pact, but transparency on carbon is the only way we can be confident that they are taking the necessary actions to fulfil these pledges. Plus, while the increase in reporting is welcome, many brands that have signed up to these pledges have yet to disclose their emissions and set science-based targets.
Once an organisation has set targets, being transparent about the underlying boundaries, assumptions and emissions profile that constitutes them is crucial in order to understand if they are indeed aligned with the requirements of the Paris Agreement and the Science Based Targets initiative. Transparency on carbon is essential because we want to be able to understand how these targets truly reflect a company’s impact and the specific challenges that a company will be addressing. For example, disclosure of Scope 1 and 2 emissions (own operations) and target implementation plans, reveals what proportion of an organisation’s energy procurement is renewable, what action is being taken to increase that and what energy efficiency measures are being taken/planned to reduce energy usage.
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PAULINE OP DE BEECK EU BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AND SUSTAINABLE FASHION LEAD FOR THE CARBON TRUST
Being transparent and reporting on Scope 3 footprints (value chain) is crucial to understanding the scale of change an organisation needs to make, given that these emissions commonly make up 80-90% of a brand’s footprint. Explaining what the most carbon intensive materials and processes are, and how these fit into reduction targets, not only demonstrates an organisation’s willingness to act on these emissions but also helps ensure accountability for year-on-year reductions. Initially, these footprints will often be based largely on estimations due to a lack of supply chain visibility. Supplier engagement for accurate reporting and, ultimately, then achieving these reductions in the supply chain is key. With this data, and an increased focus on accurate material reporting, the industry should move to a lifecycle analysis (LCA) based
approach. This is particularly important so that brands can demonstrate the emissions associated with their specific buying processes and not just the industry average. An LCA approach should also ensure that brands are making informed choices about material switching and process innovation. Improved accuracy and transparency on carbon footprints is key to the credibility of any organisation’s science-based targets and/or net-zero commitments and something that you can find out more about from the Carbon Trust.
