lululemon’s coal pollution
lululemon and climate pollution
Fashion is one of the worst climate polluting sectors on the planet, responsible for around 2-8% of global climate emissions - more than Germany, France, and Canada combined. It will be impossible to solve the climate crisis without the fashion industry taking bold climate action.
Known for its iconic yoga and athleisure wear, lululemon promotes itself as a “healthy lifestyle” brand, but unlike other sportswear brands, it has done very little to move its supply chain off of coal and other fossil fuels. As one of the biggest and most rapidly-growing sportswear brands in the world, the Vancouver-based company has to take immediate action to stop burning coal for manufacturing its products and transition to 100% renewable energy in its supply chain by 2030.
lululemon's emissions grew by 83% from 2019-2021
lululemon’s reliance on coal in its supply chain contributes massively to climate pollution and harms the health of workers and surrounding communities. And unless the company actively commits and acts to phase out coal from its supply chain, its coal pollution may even increase as countries like Vietnam expand coal power in the coming years.
lululemon earns C- in our 2023 Fossil Free Fashion scorecard
lululemon has shown signs of progress since the 2021 Scorecard, increasing its score from ‘D-’ minus to a solid C-. However, it still has a long way to go to decarbonize its supply chain, especially since its emissions increased by 83% from 2019-2021.
Climate commitments & supply chain energy transparency
Renewable & energy efficient manufacturing
Low carbon materials
Greener shipping
Advocacy
lululemon, is it worth burning the planet for a pair of leggings?
As lululemon looks to double is profits, the company is facing more and more pressure to take urgent action to reduce its ballooning emissions. #Asklululemon to align its health and wellness values with its climate action and transition to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
The pressure is growing
The company's inaction has prompted its customers and the yoga community to take action in its stores all around North America.
lululemon needs to do more
lululemon's greenwashing at the Olympics
This year, lululemon was announced as the official Team Canada Olympics brand – ironically dressing athletes whose sports are being threatened by climate change. lululemon's Team Canada mittens, which came under scrutiny by fans for costing $68 a pair, were made in Vietnam, where 53% of the electricity came from burning coal.
Runaway emissions
lululemon may also be on track to increase its emissions significantly in the coming decade, instead of cutting its climate pollution in half by 2030 in line with the Paris Agreement, unless it takes immediate steps to switch from coal to renewables.
The momentum is on our side
It’s time for lululemon to truly elevate itself to greatness by cleaning up its coal pollution and to become a leader in renewable energy! Over 7,00 yoga teachers and students calling on lululemon to switch from fossil fuels to clean energy.