Adidas has outlined its sustainability targets to 2020 in a report that shows the company was able to cut energy consumption by 15% since 2011.
The ‘Sport needs a space’ sustainability strategy builds on the group’s previous campaign period which saw Adidas lower its energy consumption across its corporate sites. However, as it fell short of the target of 20%, the sports company has set a more conservative target to 2020.
Instead of targeting energy consumption, Adidas will hope to reduce its emissions by 3% annually across those arising from its own assets as well as generated by the electricity it purchases.
However, it will also seek to influence those outside of its structure and achieve energy savings of 20% from its strategic suppliers – responsible for around 80% of its global production volume – from a 2014 baseline.
Since 2011, 63% of all strategic partners achieved a minimum of 10% reduction in energy consumption. Adidas plans to increase this through the roll-out of sub-metering plans, which began in 2015 and will now place more emphasis on high consumption areas in 2016.
The company will also expand its use of the ISO14001 environmental management systems standard and ensure LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for new construction projects. This includes a the company’s headquarters in Germany and new flagship stores.
Adidas is also aiming to substantially reduce its water use and waste throughout its own sites and those of its suppliers.
Frank Henke, adidas group vice-president for social & environmental affairs, said: “This new strategy is our most holistic sustainability strategy to date. It is the combination of our best ambitions, our strong track record in sustainability and our steady learnings.
“The strategy will continue to evolve and grow, depending on the development of new technologies and programmes. While the priorities we have identified will not change, we will continue to work on them as situations evolve and new challenges arise.”
As part of its statement to launch the new strategy, Adidas also claimed it would transition towards the use of clean energy, although efforts will predominantly be made through energy efficiency projects and carbon offsetting programmes.
The company said: “Some of our sites are still facing common challenges in accessing greener energy and scaling up their use of renewable energy.”
Increased adoption of energy efficiency would fall in line with Adidas’ previous programme of energy reduction, with more than 40 energy efficiency projects contributing to the 15% reduction of energy use overa four year period.
Since Adidas launched its own Green Company programme in 2008, there has been a 30% reduction in carbon emissions per square meter across the company. The second phase of the initiative will now cover retail stores for the first time as well as offices, distribution centres and factories in a move the company says takes its ambitions ‘one step further’.
