Skip to main content

New Climate Tool Provides Blueprint for Retail Action

Published Date

  • RILA, SE, WWF Help Retailers Map a Net-Zero Emissions Future

The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) today released a Climate Action Blueprint, which offers a clearinghouse of approaches for U.S.-based retail companies seeking a path to a net-zero emissions future. The Blueprint was created with Schneider Electric and reviewed by a Steering Committee of RILA members and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

“In our experience working with RILA members, we know there is a deep industry-wide commitment to combatting climate change,” said RILA Vice President of CSR Erin Hiatt. “We also know that each company has within its operations opportunities to take action and make an impact. Our goal with the Blueprint is to provide emissions reduction guidance applicable to any retail company’s strategy, regardless of where the company is on its decarbonization journey.”

“At Gap Inc., we’re working harder than ever to make our business more sustainable by setting bold goals, designing new programs and partnering with others to change our industry for the better. RILA’s Climate Action Blueprint provides retailers with a helpful framework to reduce their carbon footprints. To create meaningful change, we will all need to work together,” said Gap Inc. Vice President of Environmental, Social and Governance Judy Adler.

“The urgency in which we need to address climate action can only be achieved if we work together. Businesses have a unique opportunity to collaborate and drive this transformation, and we are honored to have partnered with RILA in the creation of this actionable Blueprint. Our hope is for this guide to support and accelerate the decarbonization journey for RILA’s members, adding value for their customers and employees, while doing good for the planet,” said Schneider Electric Vice President, Client Development & Sales David Bonn.

“With supply chains that reach into nearly every aspect of the global economy, the retail sector is critical to achieving the global goal of Net-Zero by 2050. Efforts like this by RILA are an important way for associations to contribute to the climate solution, and WWF is excited to collaborate with and help guide retailers as they use this blueprint to raise their climate ambition,” said Marty Spitzer, Senior Director for Climate and Renewables at WWF US.

As retailers work through the Blueprint, they will find helpful data and resources on the urgency to act, the emissions breakdown for the retail industry, and the business response to the climate emergency, followed by in-depth explainers to walk retailers through understanding their own decarbonization blueprint, decarbonization levers and influencers, and next steps.

RILA and its members will use the Blueprint to guide further member collaboration, stakeholder engagement and education opportunities under its Retail ESG, Sustainability and Energy communities.

Access a copy of the Retail Climate Action Blueprint here.