Levi Strauss & Co. and Marks & Spencer (M&S), in partnership with SE Advisory Services, Schneider Electric's global consulting practice, launched the Fashion Renewable Collaborative (FRC), designed to help interested suppliers adopt renewable electricity at scale through coordinated brand engagement and practical implementation support.
By modeling a shared approach to supplier engagement, the collaborative aims to facilitate renewable electricity adoption across global fashion supply chains and help manufacturers understand, access and implement renewable electricity solutions at scale.
“At M&S, we know that real change happens when we collaborate. Through our sustainability program, Plan A, we’re committed to becoming a net zero business across our value chain by 2040, and that means working with others to make the transition to renewable electricity easier for our supply partners. Building on the work already underway through Re:Spark, our supply chain decarbonization program, the Fashion Renewable Collaborative will provide practical support, resources and greater access to renewable electricity, helping suppliers take action and facilitating change in the fashion supply chain,” says Katharine Beacham, head of sustainability and materials in fashion, home and beauty at M&S.
"It’s become abundantly clear that the most effective way forward on emissions reduction is working in partnership with suppliers," says Jennifer DuBuisson, senior director, sustainability, Levi Strauss & Co. "Initiatives like this create better working relationships and a more effective path forward. The Fashion Renewable Collaborative enables greater support of suppliers that want to access or would like to increase use of renewable electricity but haven’t been able to so far, helping facilitate adoption while reducing unnecessary duplication. It's a natural extension of work we've already been doing with our own suppliers, and we're glad to bring that experience into this effort with M&S and SE Advisory Services."
Key takeaways:
· Textile processing, the fabric mills and dye houses account for more than half of the apparel industry’s emissions, according to the Apparel Impact Institute, making supplier adoption of renewable electricity one of the fastest and most scalable paths to progress.
· According to the Roadmap to Net Zero from the World Resources Institute and the Apparel Impact Institute, shifting manufacturing to renewable electricity is the single largest decarbonization lever, representing roughly two-thirds of the sector’s identified emissions-reduction potential.
· The FRC is one of the first fashion industry initiatives focused on providing real renewable electricity solutions.
· The FRC gives suppliers the opportunity to access the tools, knowledge and support to accelerate their energy transition. This includes digital education, powered by Resource Advisor+, SE Advisory Services AI-native energy and sustainability intelligence platform, market guidance, and significant support in assessing and procuring renewable electricity.
· The FRC is built around a structured implementation model that helps suppliers first learn and then execute through digital education modules. Participating brands benefit from a common approach, while suppliers gain access to support designed to reduce complexity and improve access to credible renewable electricity solutions, including power purchase agreements (PPAs), energy attribute certificates (EACs), on-site and distributed renewable generation, energy storage, and other proven procurement and deployment pathways.
· The FRC is supported by SE Advisory Services, which will serve as the program’s global implementation partner.
"Many fashion brands have made their individual commitments. Now the focus must be on helping suppliers deliver against them," says Steve Wilhite, EVP, SE Advisory Services. "The Fashion Renewable Collaborative is designed to provide suppliers with practical support and engagement that can help accelerate renewable electricity adoption at scale. We’re excited to support Levi Strauss & Co. and M&S, and future participating brands as they work together to drive meaningful supply chain decarbonization."
