Climate Protection

Climate action is deeply important to us, at HUGO BOSS. We, therefore, pursues a comprehensive and far-reaching climate strategy. We are one of the signatories of the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, which was drafted in 2018  under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Within the framework of the charter, HUGO BOSS, together with other companies in the fashion industry, is committed to achieving “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To achieve this goal, we have implemented extensive measures, both, in our own area of responsibility and along the entire value chain. Our commitment to working with responsible suppliers is particularly important, as this is where the largest share of CO2 emissions is generated.

TARGETS IN THE FIELD OF ENERGY & EMISSIONS

  • Net Zero throughout the entire value chain by 2050

    At HUGO BOSS, we have set out on the path to net zero emissions. To this end, we not only measure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions within our own area of responsibility, but also keep an eye on our entire value chain. By 2050, we will completely cut the emissions generated there (Scope 1-3) - and offset them where there is no other way.

     

  • Reduction of CO₂ emissions (Scope 1+2) by > 50 % by 2030

    HUGO BOSS has set itself the goal of reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (fuel and energy related) by at least 50 % by 2030 (in comparison to 2019).  Different energy and environmental projects and the switch of electricity to renewable energy sources make a significant contribution here.

    Current status: Reduction of 19% (in comparison to 2019)

  • Reduction of CO₂ emissions (Scope 3) by >50 % by 2030

    We have set ourselves the goal of reducing Scope 3 emissions, which mainly come from transport, production and raw material extraction, by at least 50 % by 2030 (in comparisonto 2019). The Scope 3 emissions account for over 90 % of the emissions in our entire value chain. Therefore, we work on the optimization of transport flows in close cooperation with our transport service providers, to reduce our transport-related emissions and so limit our impact on the environment. To involve our suppliers in the strategy process and empower them to make their own contributions to reducing emissions, we are also actively involved in the UNFCCC working groups.

    Current status: Reduction of 7% (in comparison to 2019)

  • Reduction of energy consumption (direct and indirect) in relation to area (m²) by 20% by 2030

    HUGO BOSS is committed to reducing the energy consumption in relation to area by 20 % by 2030 (in comparison to 2018) within the Company. The implementation of numerous energy projects has contributed to saving electricity. For example, switching to LED lighting in different types of buildings, replacing technical equipment, and implementing energy efficiency projects to reduce energy consumption are all helpful in this regard.

    Current status: Reduction of 18% (in comparison to 2018)

  • 100% electricity from renewable sources by 2030

    By 2030, we will exclusively use electricity from renewable energy sources. With our five own photovoltaic systems and the procurement of green electricity in 13 countries, we have already laid a significant foundation for achieving this goal.

    Current status: 59%

Using energy in our buildings more efficiently
In particular, this means reducing energy consumption and emissions: we pursue both of these goals at all HUGO BOSS locations. Therefore, we follow strict environmental and energy management systems in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14001 and 50001, as well as the GREENBUDGET program. It was introduced throughout the Group to promote environmental and energy-saving measures.

REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS

As part of our approach to energy management, we are continuously working on reducing the energy consumption of the entire Group in order to reduce CO2 emissions. With the help of the monitoring of technical building systems at our locations and the reporting of energy consumption in retail, we are able to quickly identify issues and potential improvements. In 2018, we introduced the GREENBUDGET program throughout the Group to promote environmental and energy-saving measures, which can be submitted by subsidiaries globally and are prioritized based on their economic and environmental impacts. Two examples: We installed a photovoltaic system at the largest HUGO BOSS production site in Turkey and replaced the previous lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting in an office building at the HUGO BOSS headquarters in Metzingen.

Our photovoltaic systems

With five of our own photovoltaic systems, we also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by generating renewable energy ourselves. In total, approx. 1,700 MWh of green electricity is generated per year, the majority of which is consumed within the Company. This is equivalent to the annual consumption of around 340 four-person households.

Certified green electricity

By switching to renewable electricity, we want to further reduce our CO2 footprint. By 2030, we aim to gradually increase the share to 100%. In total, 59% of the consumed electricity currently comes from renewable energy sources. At our headquarters in Metzingen, we have been using certified green electricity exclusively since 2017. Other locations in twelve countries also use green electricity.

Climate Protection in the supply chain

Due to the increasing requirements placed on signatories of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action by the UNFCCC, HUGO BOSS will revise its climate targets in 2022 and set even greater ambitions for itself accordingly. The indirect CO2 emissions in the whole value chain, e.g. caused by suppliers and partners (Scope 3 emissions) should now be reduced by at least 50%. The focus will be on suppliers that generate the most emissions due to high energy requirements - especially suppliers who require a lot of energy in their processes of dyeing, tanning, or, for example, coating, steaming, or ironing.

Since far-reaching improvements are only possible together, we cooperate with various partners. For example, since 2018 HUGO BOSS has been actively involved in the "Global Climate Action for Fashion" working group of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Another example is that the Company has developed the Resource Efficiency module (REM) together with other companies under the umbrella of ZDHC. With the REM, suppliers can, in particular, record their energy consumption, set goals, start and manage their own resource efficiency projects, and report on their progress. We have also developed the free online training course "Climate Action Training for the Fashion Industry" in cooperation with GIZ (Society for International Cooperation) and the UNFCCC, as well as other international companies from the fashion industry.

More sustainable processes and chemicals at suppliers
Protecting the environment in all steps of the production and supply chain is paramount to HUGO BOSS. That’s why we work closely with our suppliers to establish and enhance environmentally-friendly processes. In addition to general environmental requirements, the focus here is primarily on the reduction of climate impact. Environmentally friendly production processes that include responsible chemical management are also of key importance.




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