Levi’s Nears 100% Renewable Power, What’s Next?
Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co) has released its 2024 Sustainability Goals and Metrics report, highlighting advances in climate action, water stewardship, circularity and community investment as the company works toward its ambitious 2025 and 2030 environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets.
The company, which operates iconic brands including Levi’s, Levi Strauss Signature, and Beyond Yoga, has aligned its 16 people- and planet-first goals across three pillars: climate, consumption and community.
LS&Co has pledged net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050, with a near-term target of 90% absolute reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and 100% renewable electricity in company-owned facilities by 2025. In 2024, the company achieved a 99% renewable electricity share in its operations, up from 97% in 2023. Scope 1 and 2 emissions were reduced 81% compared to a 2016 baseline. However, Scope 3 supply chain emissions remain challenging, comprising 99.6% of total GHG emissions.
Levi Strauss is targeting a 50% reduction in freshwater use in high-water-stressed manufacturing areas by 2025. As of 2024, reductions stood at 27%, unchanged from 2023. The company also committed to zero deforestation for high-risk raw materials by 2025 and aims to protect and restore 30% of its raw material footprint in biodiversity-sensitive regions by 2030.
The company is developing a comprehensive circularity plan by 2026, with resale and upcycling initiatives expanding in key markets. It has already sourced 100% of cotton from more sustainable origins and increased recycled polyester use to 13%. Levi’s also aims for all strategic wet finishing suppliers and mills to use 100% certified screened chemistry by 2026.
On the social front, LS&Co continues to drive worker empowerment, with 66% of Tier 1 suppliers now having functional worker-management committees and 57% ensuring women’s representation in decision-making. Pay equity analyses in 2023 and 2024 showed no significant gender or ethnicity-based pay gaps.
Through the Levi Strauss Foundation, the company disbursed $10.3 million in 2024 to support democracy, immigrant rights, reproductive justice and worker well-being, alongside $2.6 million in corporate grants and $1.1 million in product donations.
In October 2024, Levi Strauss also published its inaugural Climate Transition Plan, outlining a roadmap aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming goal. The plan will be updated every three years to reflect evolving risks and opportunities.
With sustainability integrated into governance and executive compensation, LS&Co reinforced its philosophy of “profits through principles.” While progress is evident, particularly in renewable energy and material sourcing, the report underscores ongoing challenges in tackling supply chain emissions and scaling water stewardship initiatives.
