According to IPCC and an overwhelming consensus in the scientific community we need to make all possible efforts to limit the global warming to as close as possible to 1,5°C. This means halving greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 , then halving again until 2040 and reach net-zero by 2050. We also need to restore and preserve nature to rebuild large-scale carbon sinks. If we fail, there will be severe to catastrophic consequences depending on how close we get and which tipping points we trigger. Every tenth of a degree will matter.
To align with this challenging roadmap and send a strong message to our industry, SOG decided in 2022 that a climate commitment in line with the Paris agreement will be a requirement for all SOG members, through one of the UNFCCC Race to Zero partner initiatives or through a verified 1,5°C commitment in STICA.
ABOUT RACE TO ZERO
Race to Zero is a UNFCCC’s global campaign to rally leadership for the 1,5°C future. It creates momentum by bringing together leading initiatives and networks. You join the initiative through one of the partners. The most relevant Race to Zero partners for SOG members are:
- SME Climate Hub (SMECH)
free initiative, tailored for small and medium sized businesses of all types with free-access tools such as climate calculators, guidelines and online climate reporting. Connected to ERI (see below), drawing direct learnings from their work. Several SOG members have made their commitments through SMECH. - Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
For all types of business, gathering many global giants and leading industry players but also has an SME track. SBTi is by many referenced as the primary framework for climate target setting. - Fashion Charter for Climate Action
UNFCCC-led initiative for businesses in the international fashion and textile value chains. Mostly gathers medium to large apparel brands. - Exponential Roadmap Initiative (ERI)
A spearheading initiative for all types of business, gathering the largest international corporations and smaller, ambitious and action-oriented climate leaders. SOG members Icebug and Houdini are members of ERI. Their libraries with guidelines and other supporting documents are openly available and recommended for all, regardless of membership.
STICA: While not yet connected to Race to Zero, a verified 1,5°C aligned public commitment, in combination with STICA membership, is also validated for the SOG Climate Commitment. STICA has a proven public reporting and climate action support program that many SOG members already benefit from. SOG monitors and encourages the STICA process to join the Race to Zero campaign.
QUICK-START GUIDANCE –FINDING A PLEDGE INITIATIVE
For Small and Medium (SME) sized companies, the SME Climate Hub is a great alternative where requirements are tailored for SME capacity, step-by-step guidance and tools available for scope 1, 2, and 3 calculation and reporting. For textile SMEs, STICA offers support, hands-on tools and peer-to-peer learning.
For larger companies, the SBTi or the Fashion Charter For Climate Action are good places to commit. For practical work and exchanging information STICA and the EOG climate initiatives are great resources.
For companies with front line ambitions to contribute to global net zero, Exponential Roadmap Initiative (ERI) is a good alternative. It requires that companies are nominated and pass the ERI/RTZ climate performance review.
Additional Documents:
1.5°C Business Playbook
A call to Climate Action! – email sent to all SOG members
For more information or support, contact:
Joel Svedlund, SOG Sustainability Coordinator