News

An open network of five major European outdoor retailers has taken a pioneering role in the battle against climate change by pledging to actively contribute to achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. The retailers – Yonderland, Bergfreude, Bergzeit, Sportler and Internetstores Holding – have together founded the Outdoor Retailer Climate Commitment (ORCC), which is about significantly reducing the companies’ own CO2 footprints and placing more emphasis on developing and offering sustainable products with a low emission level.

Matthias Gebhard, CEO of Bergfreunde GmbH and ORCC co-initiator, said: “Our raison d’être and the economic well-being of the outdoor industry depend on our ability to decarbonise decisively. 

“Working as a team, we want to send a signal to the entire outdoor industry to take climate protection more seriously than before and quickly and decisively take action to decarbonise the value chain.”

The ORCC members have specifically committed to:

• Measure the CCF (Corporate Carbon Footprint) based on the guidelines of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard.
• Set targets to reduce their emissions (science-based targets or equivalent).
• Take measures to achieve the set climate change targets (e.g., renewable energy, sustainable packaging materials, employee commuting scheme).
• Submit a short annual progress report, which is made publicly available.

“Our employees demand that we take a stand; they want answers and action, and our suppliers expect feedback and guidance,” explained Internetstores Holding chief brand officer Frank Aldorf. “That’s why we believe it’s time to strengthen our commitment to climate protection and do more both individually and together.”

Meanwhile, Sportler’s CEO Jakob Oberrauch added: “Within the industry, we occupy an important position between consumers, suppliers and employees. Every year, millions of customers trust our advice, selection and service. They expect more action and guidance on climate protection.”