Planet
OUR PROGRESS
At COS, we’re not just making changes to what we do, but also how we do it. Our goal at the H&M Group is to reduce GHG emissions (CO2e) by 56% by 2030 (versus the 2019 baseline), which is approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi). We know this will not happen overnight for a company of our size, but we are committed to achieving this.
These ambitions are not new to us. We’ve been working towards them for many years by improving the way we create our collections. We know that the biggest impact takes place in relation to raw materials and production, therefore we work closely with our suppliers to identify solutions in the manufacturing process.
Here is how we’re taking action at COS:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
As our brand expands, we want to use as little energy as possible. This means reducing the energy required to create our collections, from how the materials are made to the manufacturing of garments by our suppliers. It goes beyond our collections, too – we’re also looking at how we can reduce energy in the running of our own operations, such as in COS stores and offices. One initiative is the H&M Group’s closed-door policy. Stores with exterior-facing doors should keep doors closed while air conditioning is in use, with the aim of reducing energy loss.
We will continue our work with suppliers to improve energy efficiency and to make the switch to electric where possible, increasing support for introducing process shifts – we are updating and replacing machinery with the latest and most efficient models, and recovering formerly wasted heat to help to reduce the overall amount of energy needed to produce garments. To incentivise change, we will continue to increase business with suppliers with good climate performance and decrease business with suppliers who are unwilling to take action.
RENEWABLE ELECTRICITY
By 2030, the H&M Group aims for all the electricity it uses – including suppliers – to come from renewable resources that can be easily replenished. This will have a significant impact on our total emissions.
CURRENTLY OVER 95% OF THE ELECTRICITY WE SOURCE FOR OUR OWN OPERATIONS – OUR OFFICES AND STORES – IS RENEWABLE.
FUEL ALTERNATIVES
By supporting our suppliers to electrify the processes used within their factories, we aim to minimise the usage of fossil fuels.
We now exclusively work with garment manufacturers who aim to increase their use of renewable energy and are free from coal solutions for on-site energy generation.