Abercrombie & Fitch Co.
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2022)
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:45620 tCO2e/year
Scope 1 Emissions:8615 tCO2e/year
Scope 2 Emissions:37005 tCO2e/year
Scope 3 Emissions:897070 tCO2e/year
Renewable Energy Share:0% of total energy use (reporting year); 100% for electricity at home office and two distribution centers in 2023
Total Energy Consumption:126186 MWh/year
Carbon Intensity:0.000012337 tCO2e/USD revenue
ESG Focus Areas
- Climate Change
- Biodiversity
- Social Responsibility
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 17% from the previous year.
- Achieved 100% renewable energy matching for electricity used at the global home office and two distribution centers in New Albany, Ohio.
- Reduced water used across denim production by 30% since fiscal year 2020.
Social Achievements
- Conducted first materiality assessment to identify key ESG topics.
- Refreshed existing 2019 sustainability goals and added new goals aligned with UN SDGs.
- Launched a series of "Product Sustainability Training" sessions for product, merchandising and sourcing teams.
Governance Achievements
- Board-level oversight of climate-related issues.
- ESG Committee oversees strategies, policies, and programs regarding environmental and social matters.
- Incentives provided for management of climate-related issues.
Climate Goals & Targets
Long-term Goals:
- Not disclosed
Medium-term Goals:
- Reduce total Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 47% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline
- Reduce water intensity in denim production by 30% by 2028 from a 2019 baseline
- 50% use of recycled water in denim production by 2028
- Ensure all leather is traceable according to 3rd party standards by 2030
Short-term Goals:
- Reduce waste at Global Home Office by 50% by 2025 compared to 2019
- Mailers and polybags minimum of 50% recycled content by 2023
- 100% of mailers in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and USA are recyclable by 2023
- 100% of polybags in USA are recyclable by 2023
- Source 30% of cotton as Better Cotton by 2024
- Source 25% recycled polyester by 2025
- Source 100% virgin wool through Responsible Wool Standard by 2025
- Source 100% viscose from non-endangered or ancient forests or 50% canopy-supported innovative viscose by 2025
Environmental Challenges
- Supply chain disruptions due to natural disasters and regulatory changes.
- Increased indirect costs due to enhanced emissions-reporting obligations.
- Potential decreased revenues due to reduced demand for products and services (acute physical risks and technology substitution).
Mitigation Strategies
- Enterprise Risk Management process addresses potential impact of acute physical weather impacts.
- Developing a compliance strategy and executing an energy audit program.
- Sourcing more sustainable fibers in key commodities.
- Implementing water stewardship and conservation practices.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 100% of Tier 1 and 2 suppliers complete environmental self-assessment annually (target by 2025)
Responsible Procurement
- Higg FEM
- Carbon Leadership Program
- Better Cotton Initiative
- Responsible Wool Standard
- ZDHC MRSL compliance
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Acute physical risks (e.g., cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons)
- Chronic physical risks (e.g., adverse weather events, water stress)
Transition Risks
- Current and emerging regulations
- Technology substitution
Opportunities
- Increased demand for sustainable products
- Reduced indirect costs through energy efficiency improvements
- Reduced direct costs through water usage reduction
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: GRI, SASB, TCFD, UNGC, Science Based Targets initiative (seeking validation)
Third-party Assurance: Third-party limited assurance provided for Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)
- SDG 13 (Climate Action)
- SDG 15 (Life on Land)
A&F's sustainability goals align with these SDGs through initiatives related to renewable energy, emissions reduction, and sustainable materials sourcing.
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Gilly Hicks Go Recharge Activewear (89% recycled materials)