Etsy commits to net-zero emissions by 2030

Online retailer Etsy has pledged to "deepening its commitment to a sustainable future" by setting science-based targets and pledging to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.


Etsy commits to net-zero emissions by 2030

In 2016

Etsy has set new targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative to reduce carbon emissions across Scope 1 and 2 by 50%, as well as a 13.5% in Scope 3 emissions. These targets will form part of a wider ambition to reach net-zero emissions by 2030.

“Efforts to reach this ambitious goal will touch every corner of the Etsy business and require buy-in from our teams and partners around the globe,” Etsy’s chief executive Josh Silverman said.

“Alongside the many actions we’re already taking to lessen our carbon footprint, we will be increasing our focus on working with sustainable vendors and suppliers, furthering our advocacy for the decarbonisation of the logistics and transportation sector, and addressing opportunities for cleaner fulfillment.”

In 2019, Etsy announced plans to offset 100% of its carbon emissions generated from shipping items, free of charge for its customers. The move will see the shopping platform work with offsetting firm 3Degrees, which independently validates and verifies projects under internationally recognised standards such as the American Carbon Registry, Climate Action Reserve, Gold Standard, and Verified Carbon Standard.

Last year, to mark Earth Day, Etsy confirmed that its latest acquisition, the music gear marketplace Reverb, will now be covered under the offset initiative. Etsy will offset 100% of shipping emissions for every item purchased on Reverb by investing in environmental projects, including those that conserve hardwoods traditionally used to make musical instruments. Etsy will not place additional costs onto products to cover the offsetting.

Etsy has already committed to a number of other sustainability measures across its core business. In 2016, the firm agreed to power its operations with 100% renewable electricity by 2020, and it has a Power Purchase Agreement to enable the development of a new solar farm, as well as installing solar panels at its offices. Etsy also achieved zero-waste operations globally in 2018, two years ahead of schedule.

Sweetgreen

In related news, restaurant chain sweetgreen has confirmed a plan to become carbon neutral by 2027.

The company worked with Watershed to measure its carbon footprint and has now set the ambition to become carbon-neutral in the next six years. The company will aim to halve its carbon intensity through new sourcing policies and menu development. Investments will also be made into restaurant facilities and clean energy solutions.

Offsetting will also be used once carbon reduction targets have been met, to enable the overall goal of carbon neutrality.

Matt Mace

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