Paris witnessed a landmark agreement between representatives of 195 countries to cut emissions of greenhouse gases last week. Reducing carbon footprint and sustainability have become the priorities of manufacturing industries across the world. And fashion and luxury players are paying specific attention to bettering their supply chain.
Developing nations try to reduce carbon footprint
As the first universal agreement on climate change was inked in Paris, developing nations like China and India are showing great strides in their commitment towards a low-carbon future. The discussion during before the deal expressed optimism that the deal could encourage business leaders to invest in renewables sources of energy.
According to Hannah Jones, Chief Sustainability Officer at Nike, this agreement marks a transformative moment on the journey towards a low-carbon economy, providing the certainty and confidence businesses need to continue to pursue positive climate action. Reiterating his views, Pierre Börjesson, Sustainability Business Expert on climate at H&M too was of the opinion that the deal is a step towards a safe environment with continued growth and increased quality of life for more people around the world.
However, according to Eric Liedtke, responsible for global brands at Adidas, the time has come for real action instead of telling the industry to tell what needs to be done. The deal also has set an additional aim to cut global warming to 1.5 degrees centigrade. Companies like Kering are ready to support the cause. In 2012, Levi Strauss & Co announced its commitment to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 25 per cent by 2020. By 2014, the company achieved its mission by 20 per cent.The company will update its climate strategy and targets in 2016.
Efforts begin to cut carbon footprint, what next?
While some fashion companies have already begun taking initiatives and set goals to make their supply chains sustainable, a section of fashion companies continue to present risk to the environment than others. As Elisa Niemtzow, consumer sectors director at non-profit consultancy Business for Social Responsibility (BSR) points out that the extent of impact greatest at the raw materials stage and the companies need to work with their suppliers to improve manufacturing practices to ensure that small producers are protected and resilient in the face of climate change.
It is a known fact that production of raw materials like cotton and cashmere require large amounts of electricity and water and are sourced from those regions of the developing nations that can face the early adverse impacts of any environmental change, such as flooding and droughts. Even production of rayon and viscose can lead to deforestation and companies must take note of these climatic changes to save the planet. Experts say that the players can also make use of eco-friendly fuels while transporting goods to reduce pollution. Finally, even consumers need to be made aware by educating them to care for the product in an efficient and eco-friendly ways.
Investing in renewable resources can also make a big change. RE100, a programme set up by non-profit The Climate Group, works with companies to commit to using 100 per cent renewable power. Google, H&M, Nike, and Yoox Group are already a part of this initiative. Even government support in terms of incentives to support and grow renewable sources can boost the usage, while reducing the greenhouse emissions.
The part of Paris agreement is countries’ committed to raise $100 billion a year by 2020, to help developing nations mitigate and adapt to the consequences of climate change. And large fashion groups such as H&M are doing their bit to bring awareness among their suppliers to better the supply chain with clean and green practices. The companies now need to work in unison to tackle the challenges across borders and the Paris global agreement is considered a first step towards the green future.
Ec-europa.eu
