Our Contribution to Mitigating Climate Change
Global warming has drastic implications for our planet. Extreme heat and rising sea levels have negative consequences for our ecosystems and both humans and animals.
In the Paris Agreement (only DE), participating nations set the themselves the global goal of limiting global warming to well below 2, ideally to 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels. National climate goals have been defined accordingly. By 2040, the goal in Germany is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 88 percent and to zero by 2045.
Where We Want to Get
When it comes to climate protection, the S.OLIVER GROUP is guided by the results of climate research and supports compliance with the greenhouse gas reduction targets agreed in the Paris Agreement. In 2022, we therefore committed to the goals of the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi), an alliance of important environmental and climate protection organizations with the participation of the UN Global Compact, which supports the private sector in making its contribution to limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
In 2022 and 2023, the foundations for this were laid in the S.OLIVER GROUP, in which the company categorized the three relevant emission sources (scopes) in accordance with the international standard protocol and surveyed them for the 2021 financial year.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy sources replenish relatively quickly and are available in practically inexhaustible quantities. Our definition of renewable energy encompasses solar power, wind energy, hydropower, bioenergy, and geothermal energy.
At our headquarters in Germany, we are utilizing geothermal energy in two buildings. In our Austrian stores and office spaces, we sourced 100% green electricity with certificates of origin in 2023 (comprised of: 75.15% hydropower, 19.18% wind energy, 5.39% solar energy, and 0.28% other renewable sources).
Supply Chain Engagement
Within the supply chain, these objectives are measured through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). In 2024, these KPIs were adjusted to not only address human rights aspects but also depict the environmental and climate performance of the supply chain. During a town hall meeting at the beginning of 2024, we extensively discussed these KPIs and their impact with suppliers, setting specific goals. To achieve these goals, we closely collaborate with our suppliers, assisting them in defining measures (such as adopting more climate-friendly energy sources). Workers and other stakeholders on-site also have channels to reach out to us regarding these matters.
To better illustrate the emissions arising within our supply chain, we conducted a survey with a total of 278 suppliers for the first time in 2024. Based on the results, we can more realistically assess emissions and simultaneously engage in individual dialogues with suppliers to collaboratively work on measures and goals.
In 2024, we are actively working to systematically record our suppliers’ own emissions. Our objective is to establish this practice with at least 50% of our suppliers. Additionally, we encourage and support our suppliers in transitioning to renewable energy sources. Here, too, our goal is for at least 50% of our suppliers to begin adopting these practices.
Climate Protections starts with data
As a company, we calculated our CO2 footprint for the first time in 2021. This calculation takes into account both direct and indirect emissions across our entire supply chain. It encompasses fuel consumption from stationary and mobile sources, as well as energy usage (Scope 1 & 2). Within the supply chain, emissions-related aspects of purchased goods and services, fuel, and energy are also included. Logistics, waste, business travel, employee commuting, product use, and end-of-life treatment of sold products and franchise operations are all part of this assessment (Scope 3). Based on this analysis, we established the 2021 baseline and submitted it, along with reduction targets, for pending verification by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
In 2021 we emitted approximately 9,700 tons of CO2e in Scope 1 and 2, where the majority of our emissions occur within the supply chain where our products are manufactured. Specifically, in Scope 3, we emitted around 491,000 tons of CO2e in 2021. Using this analysis as a foundation, we will develop scientifically informed reduction measures in 2024.
Climate-Friendly Shipping from the Online Shop
Wherever possible, our national and international shipments are sent to our customers in a climate-friendly manner. For this we use environmentally friendly services of our shipping partners. As part of these sustainability programs, among other things, the climate emissions caused by shipping are offset by investments in global climate protection projects.