Bronte Wells
Target Corporation has been working to reduce its environmental impact and pollution levels in recent years. The company has set ambitious climate goals, including reducing its carbon footprint and aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its enterprise. Target has also committed to protecting forests and eliminating deforestation and forest degradation from its value chain. In addition, the company has increased its use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, and has implemented sustainable sourcing practices for its products. While Target has made progress towards its environmental goals, it has not yet reached all of its targets, and it continues to work towards reducing its pollution and environmental impact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Direct Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in FY 2023 | 0.82 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂) |
| Percentage of emissions from refrigerants | Over 50% |
| Scope 1 emissions | From Target facilities |
| Scope 2 emissions | From energy purchased to power Target facilities |
| Scope 3 emissions | From the entire supply chain, including product creation and services |
| Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target by 2030 | 55% below 2017 levels |
| Scope 3 emissions reduction target by 2030 | 32.5% below 2017 levels |
| Scope 3 emissions reduction target by suppliers by 2023 | 80% of suppliers to set science-based targets |
| Renewable energy | Over 580 buildings with rooftop solar panels, with 60% of electricity sourced from renewable sources for US operations |
| Forest ecosystem commitment | Elimination of deforestation and forest degradation from the value chain, with a focus on primary forests, High Conservation Value areas, High Carbon Stock forests, and peatlands |
| Palm oil sourcing | Sustainable palm oil from certified sources, with a commitment to sustainably source wood, paper, and wood-based fibers |
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What You'll Learn
Target's direct greenhouse gas emissions
Target Corporation has been actively working towards reducing its carbon footprint and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2019, the company set ambitious targets for emissions reductions across its operations and supply chain, becoming a leader in U.S. retail.
In the near term, Target aims to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 55% and Scope 3 GHG emissions by 32.5% below 2017 levels by 2030. Scope 1 emissions refer to those generated from Target's facilities, while Scope 2 emissions are from the energy purchased to power these facilities. Scope 3 emissions, on the other hand, encompass the entire supply chain, including the creation of products and services sold.
To achieve these targets, Target has implemented several initiatives. They have increased the number of buildings with rooftop solar panels to more than 580 and are working towards sourcing 100% of their electricity from renewable sources. Additionally, they are collaborating with suppliers to set science-aligned goals and emissions reduction strategies, with a focus on unifying suppliers around these targets. As of 2023, they have reduced GHG emissions from their operations (Scope 1 and 2) by 38% and supply chain (Scope 3) emissions by 3.9% compared to the baseline year of 2017.
Despite these efforts, Target's direct GHG emissions totaled 0.82 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂) in FY 2023. Refrigerants were a significant contributor, accounting for more than half of the total emissions. As Target continues to pursue its climate goals, it recognizes the challenge of reducing emissions while growing its business.
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Renewable energy and energy-efficient buildings
Target has set ambitious goals to reduce its environmental impact and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across its enterprise. The company has made notable progress in recent years, particularly in its efforts to transition to renewable energy sources and improve the energy efficiency of its buildings.
In terms of renewable energy, Target has significantly increased the number of buildings equipped with rooftop solar panels, with over 580 buildings now utilising this technology. Additionally, the company has committed to sourcing an increasing proportion of its electricity from renewable sources, with a current target of 100% renewable electricity for its operations. In 2023, Target reduced GHG emissions from its operations (scope 1 and 2) by 38% compared to 2017 levels.
Target's approach to energy-efficient buildings involves utilising digital technologies for demand-side response. This includes the implementation of smart thermostats and on-site renewable energy generation and storage. By integrating these technologies with the power grid, Target can limit spikes in energy demand, reducing costs for consumers and transmission grids. The company also prioritises the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as improved insulation, to reduce energy consumption and associated emissions.
To further enhance the sustainability of its buildings, Target is working towards designing and operating energy-efficient and sustainable structures. The company recognises the importance of minimising energy demand in buildings, which has seen an average annual growth of just over 1% in the past decade. By focusing on energy efficiency, Target aims to decouple energy consumption from floor area growth and reduce its overall environmental footprint. This aligns with global initiatives, such as the European Union's Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), which aims to achieve climate neutrality in the buildings sector by 2050.
Target's efforts in renewable energy and energy-efficient buildings contribute to its broader sustainability goals. The company has joined the Race to Zero campaign and is taking proactive steps to reduce emissions across its supply chain. Additionally, Target recognises the importance of protecting ecosystems, such as forests, and is committed to eliminating deforestation and forest degradation from its value chain. Through these comprehensive initiatives, Target is striving to minimise its environmental impact and contribute to global efforts to address climate change.
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Reducing supply chain emissions
Target Corporation has acknowledged the impact of its supply chain on climate change and has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint. The company's direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions totaled 0.82 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂) in FY 2023, with refrigerants accounting for more than half of this amount. To address these emissions, Target has implemented several strategies:
Renewable Energy Sources
Target has committed to sourcing 100% of its electricity from renewable sources for its operations. As of 2023, they have increased the number of buildings with rooftop solar panels to over 580, with some stores generating up to 100% of their electricity from solar power. This shift to renewable energy is a significant step in reducing the company's carbon emissions.
Sustainable Product Sourcing
Target recognizes the importance of sustainable product sourcing and has introduced policies to guide their efforts. They have committed to working with their suppliers to protect forests by eliminating deforestation and forest degradation from their value chain, especially focusing on primary forests, High Conservation Value (HCV) areas, and High Carbon Stock (HCS) forest areas. Target also aims to sustainably source wood, paper, and wood-based fibers for their owned brands, as well as palm oil for all their products. They prioritize Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards and have over 3,500 FSC-certified owned brand items.
Supplier Collaboration
Target understands that reducing supply chain emissions requires collaboration with its suppliers. They have set a goal for 80% of their suppliers to establish science-based reduction targets on their Scope 1 and 2 emissions. To facilitate this, Target provides tools and resources to support suppliers in setting emission reduction strategies and requests that they complete the CDP Climate Questionnaire to gain greater visibility into their supply chain emissions.
Net-Zero Emissions Goal
Target has aligned with the Paris Agreement and is working towards achieving net-zero GHG emissions across its enterprise (Scopes 1, 2, and 3). They aim to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 55% and Scope 3 GHG emissions by 32.5% below 2017 levels by 2030. This includes emissions from purchased goods and services, upstream and downstream transport, and the use of sold products.
By implementing these strategies, Target is actively working to reduce its supply chain emissions and contribute to the global effort to mitigate climate change.
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Protecting forests and eliminating deforestation
Target Corporation has acknowledged the importance of forests in mitigating climate change and has committed to protecting forests and eliminating deforestation from its value chain. The company introduced a forest products policy in 2017, which guides its long-term intention to source wood, paper, paper-based packaging, and wood-based fibers from well-managed, certified forests or recycled materials for its owned brand products. Target prioritizes Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards and has over 3,500 FSC-certified owned brand items.
To further its commitment to protecting forests, Target recognizes the impact of commodity production, such as soy, palm oil, beef, and timber, on deforestation. The company collaborates with suppliers to set science-aligned goals and emissions reduction strategies, requesting they complete the CDP Climate Questionnaire to gain visibility into supply chain emissions. Target aims to sustainably source palm oil and wood-based materials in its priority owned brands and ensure its sourcing does not pose a material deforestation risk.
Additionally, Target has joined initiatives like the Race to Zero to drive emissions reductions across its sector and value chain. The company has set targets for reducing absolute scope 1, 2, and 3 GHG emissions, with a near-term goal of a 55% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 32.5% reduction in scope 3 emissions by 2030. Target also supports renewable energy, with over 580 buildings equipped with rooftop solar panels and a goal to source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources for operations.
Beyond Target's efforts, global organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) have been working for decades to protect the world's forests. UNEP has collaborated with development agencies, launched initiatives like the Congo Basin Sustainable Landscapes Program, and championed funding challenges to catalyze emissions reductions. Greenpeace also emphasizes the importance of informed daily choices, such as consuming less, avoiding single-use packaging, and choosing recycled or responsibly-produced wood products, to protect forests and combat deforestation.
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Reducing refrigerant emissions
Fluorinated gases, which are widely used as refrigerants, have a potent greenhouse effect. If accidentally released into the atmosphere through leaky systems or vented, fluorinated gases are harmful greenhouse gases. HFCs have a very high GWP: 1kg of the common (HFC) refrigerant gas R-410A has a GWP equivalent to 2,088kgCO2e. Therefore, reducing refrigerant emissions is crucial.
There are several practices to avoid leaks from refrigerants and destroy refrigerants at the end of their lives, which can substantially reduce emissions. Firstly, preventing leaks is essential. Refrigerant management includes adopting good practices to control leakages and the costs of applying these measures. For instance, the Chartered Institute of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has suggested using an annual leakage rate of 6% and an end-of-life recovery rate of 97% for VRF systems. Reducing the risk of leakage and choosing systems with low GWP refrigerants are crucial steps in lowering the contribution of refrigerants to whole-life carbon emissions.
Secondly, at the end of a refrigerant's life, the content is traditionally emitted directly into the atmosphere, resulting in significant atmospheric emissions. Therefore, it is essential to avoid emissions through improved leak tightness and containment on disposal (recovery, recycling, or destruction). Refrigerant destruction facilities use modest amounts of electricity, and the quantity of flammable or toxicity of the refrigerant needs to be considered.
Additionally, when buying a refrigerator for home or business, choosing a high-efficiency option is important. Recycling broken or obsolete units in a way that allows for refrigerant recovery is also crucial.
By implementing these measures, reducing emissions from refrigerant sources has co-benefits, including reducing the risks of extreme climate events, reducing air pollution, and improving mental health.
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Frequently asked questions
Target has set ambitious climate goals to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve net-zero GHG emissions across its enterprise. By 2030, they aim to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 55% and Scope 3 GHG emissions by 32.5% below 2017 levels. They also plan to source 100% of their electricity from renewable sources and have already increased the number of buildings with rooftop solar panels to over 580.
Target's direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions totaled 0.82 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂) in FY 2023. Refrigerants accounted for more than half of this total, emitting 468,075 tCO₂e.
Target is working with its suppliers to set science-based targets for emissions reductions. They request suppliers to complete the CDP Climate Questionnaire to gain visibility into their supply chain emissions and identify actionable steps for reducing emissions. Target is also focusing on sustainably sourcing wood, paper, palm oil, and other materials to protect forests and mitigate climate change.
Target has introduced a forest products policy to guide their sourcing of wood, paper, paper-based packaging, and wood-based fibers from well-managed, certified forests or recycled materials. They prioritize Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards and have over 3,500 FSC-certified owned brand items. Target is committed to eliminating deforestation and forest degradation from its value chain, especially in primary forests and areas of High Conservation Value.
Target has joined the Race to Zero initiative to drive meaningful emissions reductions across its sector and value chain. They are working towards reducing emissions from the transportation of products by unifying their suppliers around the same goals. This includes suppliers of raw materials and those involved in manufacturing and transportation.
