Climate Policy

Background

Target acknowledges the scientific consensus that the climate is changing, that our business is contributing to that change, and that our supply chain, operations and guests will continue to be impacted by the effects of climate change. 

Our policy

By 2040, Target commits to net zero greenhouse gas emissions1 across our enterprise, and to engaging constructively with industry peers, value chain partners, external stakeholders and policymakers to help accelerate the transition to a zero-carbon economy. 

Target also supports the Paris Agreement and national, regional and local policy solutions to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change. In 2019, The Science Based Targets initiative approved our climate goals and, in 2023, we updated them to reflect greater overall ambition and ensure continued alignment with the Corporate Net-Zero Standard. In addition to reducing scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by an absolute 32.5% below 2017 levels by 2030 (covering retail Purchased Goods & Services, Upstream & Downstream transport2 and Use of Sold Products GHG emissions), we have committed to reduce our scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55% below 2017 levels by 2030. We are currently seeking validation of our updated targets.

Our efforts to mitigate climate change are focused on five areas: 

  • Increasing adoption of renewable energy in our own operations, on the electricity grid and in our supply chain. 
  • Driving energy and water efficiency in our own operations and in our supply chain.
  • Investing in innovations supporting the transition to a zero-carbon transportation system, including vehicle electrification.
  • Investing in solutions that protect, sustain and restore nature, through regenerative and lower carbon practices.
  • Supporting communities most heavily impacted by climate change and building their resilience to climate change impacts, like extreme weather events.

Achieving net zero emissions for our business and beyond will require massive action and concerted effort across the private and public sectors. We are working to advance policies that support the innovation, investments and actions needed to achieve the low-carbon transition.

1 Net zero, as defined, is achieved when a company's scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions are reduced to a level that is consistent with a 1.5°C pathway, and any residual emissions are removed from the atmosphere through either nature-based or technological carbon removal solutions (e.g., forestry, regenerative agriculture, carbon capture technology), by no later than 2050, in alignment with the Paris Agreement. Target’s net zero greenhouse gas emissions across our enterprise is 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

2 Fulfillment only.