Brooks Running outlined its 2030 planet strategy that includes a commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
“At Brooks, we think that climate change demands urgent and universal action,” said David Kemp, senior manager, Corporate Responsibility, Brooks Running. “Because more than 150 million people worldwide run outside, it’s critical that we take responsibility for our impact on the planet.”
Brooks said it had developed key strategies to decarbonize, including converting factories to renewable electricity, converting textile yarns to low-impact dyeing processes and sourcing materials with recycled content.
In partnership with ClimateCare, Brooks will also purchase carbon credits from projects that avoid or reduce carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. The portfolio of projects includes those from the U.S., where Brooks is headquartered and a majority of product is sold, and international countries where Brooks employees work and some of the brand’s products and materials are manufactured. In addition to meeting the criteria for selecting carbon offsets projects, each will provides additional environmental and social benefits, including improving air quality, health and well-being.
The company’s climate-neutral commitment will launch on July 1 with the introduction of its Ghost 14 shoe—its first carbon-neutral product. In addition to reducing the product’s environmental impact by incorporating recycled materials, Brooks will purchase carbon offsets from projects that meet strict criteria for making a difference in addressing climate change.
Brooks also said it would reduce its usage of non-renewable resources by incorporating more sustainable materials into products while minimizing the waste in its manufacturing process. In 2022, it will start a take-back program to lay the groundwork for a fully circular shoe in the future. By 2023, Brooks said it will move to 100 percent recycled polyester in footwear and new apparel materials and is committed to zero footwear manufacturing waste entering landfills, incinerators and the environment by 2025.
“We believe that the run can change everything: your day, your life and even the world. But to make those benefits available to all, we need to participate on a global scale,” Kemp said. “We’ve charted our program to support the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and joined The Climate Pledge because partnerships will be critical to achieving our ambitious goals.”
Photo courtesy Brooks
