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.
We have set ourselves ambitious targets for reducing our CO2 emissions, but with our current target achievement levels we are not yet at the level we would like to be: Despite extensive measures, our emissions in scope 1 and 2 have only fallen slightly due to the very strong growth of the company, while in scope 3 and therefore across all scopes they have risen compared to the base year.
We will therefore intensify our measures even further. This includes working even more closely with our suppliers, as most CO2 emissions are generated in the supply chain.
Current status: 42% increase (compared to 2019)
-
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 (energy efficiency measures and installation of photovoltaic systems) and the switch of electricity to renewable energy sources make a significant contribution here.
Current status: Reduction of 5% (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 production, raw material extraction and transport by at least 50 % by 2030 (in comparison to 2019). The Scope 3 emissions account for over 90 % of the emissions in our entire value chain. Therefore, we work on involving our suppliers in the strategy process and empowering them to make their own contributions to reducing emissions, and we are also actively involved in the UNFCCC working groups. Besides we optimize transport flows in close cooperation with our transport service providers in order to reduce our transport-related emissions and thus limit the impact on the environment.
We have set ourselves ambitious targets for reducing our CO2 emissions, but with our current measures we are not yet at the level we would like to be: Instead of a reduction in emissions, we are currently seeing an increase in Scope 3 emissions. This is related to the strong business development overall. We will therefore intensify our measures even further. This includes for example working even more closely with our suppliers.
Current status: increase of 44% (compared 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 2019 ) 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 4% (compared to 2019)
-
100% electricity from renewable sources by 2030
By 2030, we will exclusively use electricity from renewable energy sources. With our ten own photovoltaic systems in five different countries and the procurement of green electricity in 16 countries, we have already accomplished more than half of our goal as of 2023.
Current status: 60%
REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CO2 EMISSIONS
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.
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. Examples: We installed a photovoltaic system at multiple of our production sites (Italy, Poland, Turkey and Switzerland) and replaced the previous lighting with energy-efficient LED lighting in office, warehouse and production buildings (Germany, Poland, Switzerland and Italy).
Our photovoltaic systems
With ten of our own photovoltaic systems, we also contribute to reducing CO2 emissions by generating renewable energy ourselves. In total, approx. 3,200 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 640 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, 60% 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 fifteen countries also use green electricity.
Climate Protection in the supply chain
In line with the increased requirements placed on signatories of the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action by the UNFCCC, HUGO BOSS will reduce its indirect CO2 emissions in the whole value chain, e.g. caused by suppliers and partners (Scope 3 emissions) by at least 50% (by 2030, compared to 2019). 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.
