The internationally acclaimed Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved JYSK's greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in accordance with the Paris Agreement. The greatest impact will come from reducing emissions in product production.
Since JYSK founder Lars Larsen opened the first JYSK store in Aarhus, Denmark, in 1979, the company has built its business around strong values: Tradesmanship, Colleague, and Corporate Spirit. With SBTi approval, JYSK now has a clear roadmap for reducing its climate footprint.
'We are proud to receive the Science Based Targets initiative's stamp of approval on our climate targets. Sustainability is a fundamental part of our commitment to our customers, our employees, and the planet. It is a big task, but a necessary one. We are committed to reducing our impact on the climate and helping our suppliers do the same. Sustainability should be an accessible and affordable choice for our customers shopping at JYSK,' says President and CEO Rami Jensen.
Biggest reductions will come from collaboration with suppliers
Ninety-three percent of JYSK's total greenhouse gas emissions come from products, goods, and services purchased from suppliers. As part of the SBTi-approved targets, JYSK will require suppliers to calculate their emissions and have their targets approved by SBTi by the end of the financial year 2028. To achieve this goal, JYSK will build on its strong collaboration with suppliers regarding worker rights in the supply chain through the international organization amfori.
'Because the majority of our greenhouse gas emissions come from product production, we need results from our suppliers to meet our own targets. Moving forward, we will support them in climate accounting so we can collectively reduce our climate footprint,' says Rami Jensen.
Reducing emissions within JYSK's own operations
Although JYSK's greenhouse gas emissions from its own operations account for less than 2% of the company's total emissions, it will also work to reduce its footprint. Using the financial year 2022 as a baseline, JYSK aims for a 50.4% absolute CO2e reduction by the end of the financial year 2032.
One strategy is to implement renewable energy solutions like solar panels on distribution center roofs, which are already showing positive results in multiple countries, providing up to 30% of energy used.
'In the coming years, we will explore solutions to reduce emissions from powering, heating, and cooling our stores, distribution centres, and offices, as well as emissions from our company-owned vehicles. While it's a small percentage of our total footprint, it's still important work,' says Rami Jensen.
Science based targets initiative
JYSK has set near-term goals for scope 1 and 2 emissions, covering its operations, and scope 3, covering indirect emissions in the value chain.
JYSK's climate targets are:
- JYSK commits to a 50.4% reduction in absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by FY2032 from a FY2022 base year.
- JYSK commits that 72.5% of its suppliers, based on emissions from purchased goods and services, will have science-based targets by FY2028.
'I believe we have set ambitious and impactful targets for the coming years across our business, focusing on our customers, value chain, and workplace to reduce our climate impact. I look forward to this next step for JYSK to ensure we stay competitive and remain the customers' first choice for sleeping and living,' says Rami Jensen.
A great offer for generations
The newly SBTi-approved greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets are part of JYSK's sustainability strategy, "A Great Offer for Generations," which builds on years of responsible business actions. The strategy focuses on five main areas where JYSK sees the greatest impacts, risks, and opportunities, supporting actions that promote positive change for the climate and the communities where JYSK operates, while maintaining transparency about the process.
The five areas are:
- Climate action
- Responsible value chain
- Trusted quality products
- Attractive and inclusive workplace
- Data transparency.
More information:
JYSK
www.jysk.com