Lowe’s sets new net-zero emissions goal

Lowe’s is making a major new commitment to reach net-zero emissions across the company's scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions.

The home improvement giant, which already met a 2025 goal of reducing Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 40% four years early in 2021, is setting a new target to reach net-zero emissions across its scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Lowe’s is pursuing this new sustainability goal in accordance with guidelines from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a global body enabling businesses to set emissions reduction targets in line with climate science. To meet interim SBTi targets, Lowe's has also committed to decreasing its scope 1 and scope 2 emissions by 40%, as well as reducing scope 3 emissions by 22.5% below 2021 levels by 2030.

To reach net-zero emissions by 2050, Lowe's reduction strategy includes:

• Increasing operational efficiency and working to reduce emissions within Lowe's footprint: Lowe's is making further investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy within the its operations, while evaluating emerging technologies to reduce emissions associated with its vehicle fleet and facilities.
• Continuing to expand sustainable products and services offered to customers: Lowe's continues to encourage the transition of gas-powered products to battery and electric, while also promoting energy-efficient products, such as those certified by Energy Star.
• Partnering with suppliers to help reduce upstream emissions: Lowe's is working closely with suppliers to increase their operational efficiency and reduce their emissions through the use of renewable energy and low-carbon innovations.

"Lowe's takes pride in making homes better for all, and part of doing that is reducing our impact on the environment," said Marvin Ellison, Lowe's chairman and CEO. "Starting with the net-zero goal we've made today, we're excited to work even more closely with stakeholders – from suppliers to customers – to drive sustainable practices."

"This new target marks a significant expansion of our previous climate commitments," said Chris Cassell, Lowe's VP of corporate sustainability. "Through strong collaboration, this challenging but critical work will drive meaningful improvements across our full value chain, from our suppliers to Pros' worksites, to our customers' homes and our communities."

The company is also working to reach 50% renewable energy for Lowe's facilities by 2030, and 74% of its strategic suppliers had sustainability goals in place in 2021.In 2021 alone, Lowe’s says it helped customers save 34.6 million metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions from the sale of Energy Star-certified products over their lifetime.

Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe's and its related businesses operate or service more than 2,200 home improvement and hardware stores.