River Island has joined fashion’s growing eco army, committing to a number of long-term and near-term emissions reduction targets.

Following criteria set by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the high street retailer said it’s aiming to reach net-zero by 2040.

Heading the approved science-based targets is a commitment to reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 (direct) GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions 90% by 2030, from a 2019 base year.

Also in the schedule is complete neutralisation of residual emissions by 2030 to achieve net-zero on direct emissions (scopes 1 and 2); a commitment to reduce absolute scope 3 (indirect) GHG emissions by 30% by 2032, from a 2021 base year; and net-zero carbon emissions by the end of 2040, by reducing absolute scope 3 GHG emissions 90% by 2040, from a 2021 base year.

Finally River Island also plans to continue “annually sourcing 100% renewable electricity through 2030”.

In addition the retailer is asking all stakeholders to commit to science-based 1.5°C and net-zero targets.

José Arguedas, Head of Sustainability at River Island, said: “Tackling climate change requires ambitious action from the retail sector and our validated science-based targets prove our commitment to building a sustainable economy: by doing not what is easy, but what is necessary.”