Kathmandu has over 160 stores in Australia, New Zealand and the UK, manufactures goods in 101 factories in Asia, New Zealand and Europe and sources materials from Asia, Australasia and the US. The organisation has a plan to achieve ‘zero environmental harm’ by 2025, which includes scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions (Kathmandu Holdings Limited 2019).

To date, the organisation’s focus has been on scope 2 emissions, with a target to reduce these emissions by 20 per cent by 2020 from 2012 levels. It exceeded this target in 2019. Kathmandu is measuring and reporting scope 2 and 3 emissions under the Certified Emissions Measurement and Reduction Scheme (CEMARS) program as a prerequisite to setting science-based emissions reduction targets. Its scope 2 emissions, from energy used in stores, distribution centres and offices, primarily come from Australia, where coal is still the main energy source. Scope 3 emissions predominantly result from transportation of goods and constitute approximately a quarter of the organisation’s overall emissions.

Specific activities that the organisation is currently undertaking includes a focus on offsetting business travel, improving energy efficiency and minimising waste. This includes replacing synthetic materials manufactured from fossil fuels with recycled and plant-based materials. Ultimately, through lifecycle analysis, Kathmandu are attempting to move towards a circular economy where products sit within a closed loop.

The organisation has made a pledge under the state of Victoria’s Take2 initiative (Take2 2017). This includes commitments to train staff to reduce emissions at work and at home, and provide advice and services to help customers reduce their emissions.