The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC) announced on November 2nd that it has achieved Net Zero emissions and sourced 100% renewable electricity globally for its direct operations, reaching the target it set on joining RE1001.

Building upon this achievement, the company has also met its goal to set science-based emissions reduction targets for its direct operations and value chain, positioning the company to take even more decisive action against climate change in the coming decade.

Fabrizio Freda, president and chief executive officer, ELC, comments: 

• “Today’s announcement signals a new level of ambition and dedication to climate action for The Estée Lauder Companies. Setting ambitious targets in line with the latest climate science is testament to our values and commitment to managing our business for the long term. In this decisive decade for climate action, we will continue to accelerate efforts to ensure a healthy, beautiful planet for generations to come.”

To achieve its Net Zero emissions and RE100 goals by 2020, ELC reduced its operational carbon footprint by investing in projects that bring additional renewable energy to the grid.

ELC signed a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement for wind power from the Ponderosa wind farm in Oklahoma. The company also installed ground-mount and rooftop on-site solar arrays at its facilities around the world.

In markets where ELC operations have a comparatively smaller carbon footprint, the company procured renewable energy certificates (RECs) or their international equivalent to support local renewable energy generation. To address any remaining annual emissions from operations, ELC purchased offsets from the Massachusetts Tri-City Forestry project in North America, which protects 6,500 acres of public forestland from significant commercial timber harvesting and ensures long-term sustainable management of the forest.

Helen Clarkson, Chief Executive Officer, the Climate Group, said:

• “We congratulate The Estée Lauder Companies on their fantastic work to switch to renewable electricity globally. When large companies like The Estée Lauder Companies set their sights on an ambitious target, they can achieve huge change at a rapid pace. This is exactly the sort of leadership we need to see in the climate decade, as we work to halve global emissions.”

The Estée Lauder Companies commits to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions 50% by 2030 from a 2018 base year.

This target is consistent with reductions required to keep warming to 1.5°C, the most ambitious goal of the Paris Agreement.

The Estée Lauder Companies also commits to reduce scope 3 GHG emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream transportation and distribution, and business travel 60% per unit revenue over the same timeframe.

To take on the broader scope of addressing carbon impacts beyond its direct operations, ELC will build on its successes and learnings from achieving Net Zero and RE100. The company intends to implement integrated solutions and foster joint value creation with supply chain partners and third-party manufacturers.

Nancy Mahon, Senior Vice President, Global Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability of The Estée Lauder Companies adds, 

• “The Estée Lauder Companies has been deeply committed to climate action for many years and, in 2020, we not only stayed true to our commitments, but took steps to further accelerate progress. At such a critical time for our planet and communities around the world, we know this work is more important than ever. The events of this year have only underscored the urgency and imperative of climate action and we’re committed to doing our part, collaborating with partners to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time.”

Here's more information on ELC’s commitments and targets on climate in its Fiscal & 2020 Citizenship & Sustainability Report, Beauty Inspired, Values Driven. It includes letters from William Lauder, Fabrizio Freda (shown above) and Nancy Mahon -- and more.