The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) has achieved its 2020 sustainability goals of reaching net zero emissions and using 100% renewable electricity, and has announced more ambitious targets to fight climate change into the coming decade and beyond.
To meet its goals, ELC deployed a number of projects to reduce its carbon footprint from its facilities worldwide, as well as investing in renewable electricity.
These include signing its largest renewable energy agreement to date for 22 megawatts of wind power in a deal with the Ponderosa wind farm in Oklahoma, US, which covered more than half of ELC's electricity footprint, according to the brand owner.
Meanwhile, ELC also ramped up its global renewable energy efforts by installing on-site solar panels at its facilities, while in smaller markets it procured renewable energy certificates (RECs) for local businesses to support renewable energy generation.
In addition, it purchased offsets from the Massachusetts Tri-City Forestry project in the US, which is said to capture more than 100,000 metric tonnes of harmful carbon dioxide every year and protects 6,500 of forest from commercial timber harvesting.
Nancy Mahon, Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability at ELC, said: “The Estée Lauder Companies has been deeply committed to climate action for many years and, in 2020, we not only stayed true to our commitments, but took steps to further accelerate progress.
“At such a critical time for our planet and communities around the world, we know this work is more important than ever.
“The events of this year have only underscored the urgency and imperative of climate action and we’re committed to doing our part, collaborating with partners to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time.”
The future is green
Building on its 2020 progress, ELC has announced new sustainability targets for 2030 as part of its ongoing bid to reduce emissions and fight climate change, focusing on the long term and meeting the needs of future generations.
The beauty giant has pledged to cut its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2018, while it has also committed to slashing emissions by 60% along its supply chain, including from purchased goods and services, transportation and distribution and business travel.
Said to be approved and in line with current industry best practice from climate change initiative the Science Based Target Initiative, ELC will work with its supply chain partners and third party manufacters to implement integrated solutions, according to the company.
Helen Clarkson, CEO of The Climate Group, added: “We congratulate The Estée Lauder Companies on their fantastic work to switch to renewable electricity globally.
“When large companies like The Estée Lauder Companies set their sights on an ambitious target, they can achieve huge change at a rapid pace. “This is exactly the sort of leadership we need to see in the climate decade as we work to halve global emissions.”
