American Eagle joins RE100, plans to be carbon neutral by 2030

By

Gabriella Lacombe

Published
Feb 11, 2020

In pursuit of its goal to be carbon neutral by 2030, Pittsburgh-based American Eagle Outfitters Inc. has taken its commitment to sustainability one step further by joining RE100. 

A global initiative run by The Climate Group in partnership with CDP, RE100 works together with major companies to reach a goal of sourcing 100% renewable electricity globally, and no later than 2050 -- the year that climate experts say climate change would cause a devastating crisis if left unchecked. 

Other RE100 partners from the fashion world include Burberry, H&M, Ralph Lauren and Yoox Net-A-Porter Group, among 224 companies from across industries. 

American Eagle's plan to become carbon neutral by 2030 was first unveiled in 2019, as part of a series of sustainability goals -- including goals for water reduction, energy reduction and the use of more sustainable raw materials -- applied across its owned and operated facilities and employee business travel and supply chain. 

The company, which operates the American Eagle and Aerie brands, is also a signatory of the UN Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, which aims to bring the fashion industry to net-zero emissions no later than 2050, and counts ​Condé Nast among its signatories.  

American Eagle's efforts are submitted to and validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an NGO consortium that validates company commitments.

“At AEO we believe in turning our commitment to sustainability into action for our customers, our associates and all of our stakeholders,” said Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman and chief executive officer.

“By working together, as part of a global network to reduce carbon emissions, we will begin to build a sustainable future through innovation and collaboration.”

AEO Inc. is also a member of the Sustainable Apparel Coalition, Better Cotton Initiative and has pledged to the CanopyStyle Initiative.