A ten-year sustainability plan to reinforce a culture of purpose
At Gucci, we are moving forward into the coming decades with an ongoing commitment to reinforce our culture of purpose, demonstrating our values through innovative pathways towards social and environmental sustainability. Powered by creativity and collaboration, we are reducing our environmental impact and helping to protect nature, while supporting people’s rights and championing inclusivity and respect, so that everyone in our global Gucci community is free to express their authentic, diverse selves.
Our long-term efforts to design a more sustainable business model was amplified in 2015 when we first announced our 10-year “Culture of Purpose” sustainability strategy, underpinned by a series of targets to achieve by 2025. These targets drive us forward every day to generate positive change for people and planet, and include:
People
- Promoting diversity and gender parity;
- Supporting the continuation of craftsmanship traditions;
- Offering our teams a sustainable and caring working environment;
- Contributing to positive social impacts and supporting transformation across the entire supply chain
Planet
- Reducing our total environmental footprint by 40% by 2025, from a 2015 baseline relative to growth;
- Decreasing our greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025, from a 2015 baseline relative to growth and referring to Scopes 1, 2 and part of Scope 3 – transportation and distribution, business flights, fuel and energy related emissions – of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Further, reducing an additional 40% of our scope 3 emissions from purchased goods and services;
- Attaining 100% traceability for our raw materials and 100% alignment with our parent company Kering’s Standards for Raw Materials and Manufacturing Processes by 2025;
- Using 100% renewable energy by the end of 2022;
- Developing new eco-friendly sourcing solutions, raw materials and processes by applying disruptive innovation.
These environmental targets are not just about reducing our impacts as much as we can, they are also about creating sustainable supply chains so that we can help protect and restore nature for the future. To chart our progress towards a more sustainable future we use Environmental Profit and Loss (EP&L) accounting, which was pioneered by our parent company Kering. Not only can we use this as a benchmark year-over-year, it allows us to fully understand our environmental impacts at every stage of our supply chain and then transparently share this with our stakeholders. Learn more about the EP&L here.
To reach our overall targets, we have implemented a worldwide environmental and social sustainability programme, touching every part of our supply chain. We are:
- Increasing low-impact alternative and sustainable materials in our collections;
- Developing sustainable sourcing and innovative on-the-ground programmes;
- Switching to renewable energy and implementing energy saving methods;
- Optimizing efficiencies during manufacturing with creative approaches
- Reducing waste and scaling up circular approaches;
- Supporting the conservation and restoration of vital ecosystems around the world;
- Enhancing the lives of the people who make our products and focusing on supporting underserved communities globally.
More recently, we also made a pledge to work towards shared and concrete goals with our luxury and fashion peers in three key areas (climate, biodiversity and oceans) by signing the Fashion Pact under Kering.
I'm an environmental sustainability expert with a deep understanding of corporate sustainability initiatives, particularly in the luxury fashion industry. My expertise is grounded in a comprehensive knowledge of sustainability strategies, environmental impact assessments, and the implementation of sustainable business practices.
The article you provided highlights Gucci's commitment to sustainability through their ten-year "Culture of Purpose" plan. I can corroborate the significance of such long-term strategies, as they indicate a genuine dedication to fostering positive change in both social and environmental realms. Gucci's approach involves a multi-faceted plan that encompasses various aspects of sustainability. Let's break down the key concepts and initiatives mentioned in the article:
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People:
- Diversity and Gender Parity: Gucci aims to promote diversity and gender parity within its organization, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity.
- Craftsmanship Traditions: The brand is dedicated to supporting and continuing craftsmanship traditions, ensuring the preservation of cultural heritage.
- Sustainable Working Environment: Gucci strives to provide its teams with a sustainable and caring working environment, emphasizing employee well-being.
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Planet:
- Environmental Footprint Reduction: Gucci targets a 40% reduction in its total environmental footprint by 2025, relative to a 2015 baseline.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The company aims to decrease greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2025, covering Scopes 1, 2, and part of Scope 3, with a focus on transportation, distribution, business flights, and energy-related emissions.
- Traceability and Standards: Gucci aims for 100% traceability for raw materials and alignment with Kering’s Standards for Raw Materials and Manufacturing Processes by 2025.
- Renewable Energy: The brand commits to using 100% renewable energy by the end of 2022, demonstrating a shift towards sustainable energy sources.
- Innovation in Sourcing: Gucci is actively developing eco-friendly sourcing solutions, raw materials, and processes through disruptive innovation.
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Environmental Profit and Loss (EP&L):
- Gucci employs EP&L accounting to measure and communicate its environmental impacts transparently. This method allows the company to assess its progress and share the information with stakeholders.
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Sustainable Supply Chain Practices:
- Gucci has implemented a global environmental and social sustainability program throughout its supply chain.
- Initiatives include increasing low-impact materials, sustainable sourcing, renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and circular approaches.
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Fashion Pact:
- Gucci has pledged to collaborate with luxury and fashion peers on shared goals related to climate, biodiversity, and oceans by signing the Fashion Pact under Kering.
Gucci's approach goes beyond reducing environmental impacts; it encompasses the creation of sustainable supply chains to contribute to the protection and restoration of nature. The brand's use of EP&L provides a transparent benchmark for tracking progress, reflecting a commitment to accountability and sustainability.
