What: John Lewis Partnership’s sustainability plans have been validated by a scientific committee.

Why it is important: Such a rubber stamp allows at the same time to content activists and avoid being taxed of greenwashing, even though customers could wonder is 2050 is not a too distant date in the future.

The John Lewis Partnership (JLP) has become the first UK retailer to have its net-zero science-based targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The retailer aims to achieve net-zero across its operations by 2035 and across its wider supply chain by 2050. JLP is also the first global retailer to have SBTi-approved targets related to greenhouse gas emissions from 'forests, land, and agriculture'.

The company's sustainability plans include product design for longevity, recyclability, and the use of sustainable materials, as well as transitioning its vehicles away from fossil fuels and procuring 100% renewable electricity. JLP also plans to provide customers with integrated energy efficiency insights for its online products.

John Lewis’ race to net zero is endorsed