Commercial, Energy Efficiency, GHG Emissions, Commercial, Sourcing Renewables  -  October 19, 2017

Target makes 100% RE, emissions reduction commitments

Already having made big moves into renewable energy — and overtaking Wal-Mart Stores Inc. as the top U.S. corporate solar installer last year —Target Corp. has announced an aggressive new set of climate goals that include tackling supply-chain related emissions. 

The retailer has committed to sourcing 100% renewable energy in its U.S. operations, set science-based reduction goals for Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions, and committed to developing an additional goal for its Scope 3 emissions within a year. Target on Oct. 17 said it set the goals with the Science-Based Targets initiative in mind. 

Target said it will reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 25% by 2025 through a combination of increasing its use of renewable energy and energy efficiency, including heating, lighting and active management of its refrigerant inventory. The company also plans to implement projects in its owned brand manufacturing facilities that will lead to the avoidance of 2 million metric tons of Scope 3 emissions annually by 2022. 

"Target has long been committed to making our business more sustainable, which leads to a stronger, cleaner supply chain and operations, and a healthier environment for our team members and guests," Target Chairman and CEO Brian Cornell, said. "That's why we're setting goals to reduce our greenhouse gas footprint, and working with our industry partners, policymakers and other stakeholders to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy."

The company said it will focus its efforts in five key areas: 

• Increasing adoption of renewable energy in its operations, supply chain, and on the electricity grid;
• Driving energy and water efficiency in its operations and supply chain;
• Investing in innovations supporting the transition to a lower-carbon transportation system, including vehicle electrification;
• Considering climate impacts in raw materials sourcing, particularly the impacts of land use change, and designing plans to mitigate those impacts; and
• Supporting communities most heavily impacted by climate change and building their resilience to climate change impacts like extreme weather events.

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