Fashioning a Sustainable Future: Why Science-Based Targets Matter
The Urgency of Climate Action
Climate change is no longer a distant concern—it’s happening now. The fashion industry, a major contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, must take decisive action to reduce its environmental impact. Governments have committed to limiting global warming under the Paris Agreement, but businesses also play a crucial role. A key way for fashion companies to drive meaningful change is by setting science-based targets (SBTs) to cut emissions in line with climate science.
What Are Science-Based Targets?
Science-based targets align corporate sustainability goals with the latest climate science to help limit global warming to well below 2°C, ideally 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels. These targets are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a partnership between:
CDP (formerly Carbon Disclosure Project)
United Nations Global Compact
World Resources Institute (WRI)
World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
The SBTi provides a framework to ensure emissions reductions align with the best available science, making it a gold standard for corporate climate commitments.
Why Fashion Brands Should Set SBTs
✅ Future-Proofing Business & Reducing Costs
By understanding their emissions, companies can identify inefficiencies, lower costs, and build resilience against supply chain disruptions caused by climate-related risks. Research by McKinsey & Company (2020) found that improving resource efficiency in fashion supply chains can lead to cost savings of up to 20%.
✅ Innovation & Competitive Advantage
Committing to SBTs encourages brands to explore circular economy models (e.g., rental, resale, and repair services) and invest in sustainable materials like organic cotton and bio-based alternatives. According to the Global Fashion Agenda (2021), 60% of industry leaders see sustainability as a key driver of innovation.
✅ Stronger Consumer & Investor Trust
Shoppers and investors increasingly favour brands committed to sustainability. A Nielsen report (2018) found that 73% of global consumers would change their consumption habits to reduce environmental impact. Similarly, financial institutions managing over $130 trillion in assets have pledged to decarbonize their portfolios under the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ).
✅ Regulatory Readiness & Policy Influence
Governments worldwide are tightening climate regulations. The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), for example, will require detailed emissions disclosures from 2025. Setting an SBT helps businesses stay ahead of evolving policies and influence industry standards.
The Fashion Industry’s Climate Impact
Fashion accounts for 4-8% of global carbon emissions (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2017). Without intervention, emissions could rise by 50% by 2030 (McKinsey & Company, 2020). Key contributors include:
Raw material production (cotton, polyester, leather) – 38% of total emissions
Manufacturing & processing – 27%
Transport & retail – 11%
Consumer use (washing, drying, ironing) – 25%
The dominance of Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions from the supply chain) highlights the need for brands to work closely with suppliers to drive reductions.
How Fashion Companies Can Set Science-Based Targets
The SBTi provides a clear process for companies to develop science-based targets:
1️⃣ Understand Your Emissions (GHG Inventory)
A comprehensive emissions inventory includes:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned facilities and vehicles.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heating, and cooling.
Scope 3: Indirect emissions from supply chain activities (e.g., material sourcing, transport, consumer use).
For most fashion brands, Scope 3 emissions account for over 70% of total emissions, making them a critical focus area.
2️⃣ Screen Scope 3 Emissions
If Scope 3 emissions make up 40% or more of total emissions, companies must set a Scope 3 target. Given the nature of fashion supply chains, most brands will meet this threshold.
3️⃣ Define Target Boundaries
Scope 3 targets must cover at least two-thirds of total Scope 3 emissions. Brands should prioritize high-impact areas like material sourcing and manufacturing.
4️⃣ Choose a Target-Setting Approach
Companies can choose from several methodologies:
Absolute Contraction: Reduce total emissions by a fixed percentage annually (e.g., 4.2% per year for a 1.5°C-aligned target).
Intensity Targets: Reduce emissions per unit of output (e.g., per garment produced).
Supplier Engagement: Commit to a percentage of suppliers setting their own SBTs within five years.
5️⃣ Set Ambitious Targets
Scope 1 & 2 targets must align with a well-below 2°C pathway (ideally 1.5°C).
Scope 3 targets must align with at least a 2°C scenario.
6️⃣ Establish a Base Year & Target Year
Targets must span 5-15 years from the base year.
The base year should be the most recent year with available emissions data.
7️⃣ Submit Targets for Validation
Companies must document their methodology and submit targets to the SBTi for approval.
8️⃣ Announce Targets Publicly
Once validated, brands must publicly disclose targets within six months.
9️⃣ Report Progress Annually
Companies must disclose GHG emissions and progress toward targets every year.
🔟 Review & Adjust Every 5 Years
Targets should be reviewed periodically to align with the latest climate science.
The Power of Collaboration
Reducing emissions, especially Scope 3, requires industry-wide cooperation. Brands can leverage initiatives like:
✅ Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) – Higg Index for supply chain transparency.
✅ Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Clean by Design – Best practices for cleaner textile production.
✅ Textile Exchange & Fashion Pact – Industry coalitions for sustainable material sourcing.
✅ SupplyCheck SBTi Screener – Check the SBTi status of companies in your supply chain.
Conclusion: The Time to Act Is Now
By adopting science-based targets, fashion brands can move beyond greenwashing and take real action to mitigate climate change. The benefits are clear: cost savings, innovation, consumer trust, and regulatory preparedness. This is more than an environmental imperative—it’s a business necessity.
The industry has the tools, resources, and science-backed frameworks to create a truly sustainable future. Let’s fashion a better world—one science-based target at a time.