Exclusive: Harrods outlines its new sustainability commitments in its first-ever ESG report

The new sustainability pledges come as part of Harrods’ first environmental, social and governance (ESG) report in its 175-year history, which has been seen by Retail Week.

Harrods has pledged that all products bearing the Harrods own-label brand will meet its ‘Responsible Sourcing Standards’ by 2030 in its new “key milestones” for the future.

These standards include minimum requirements for suppliers to make sure orders are compliant as well as approved certifications to encourage farmers, growers and makers alike to “adopt more sustainable approaches”.

Harrods also said it would eliminate “problematic or unnecessary” single-use packaging items by 2025.

Building an inclusive culture, engaging 15% of employees in community volunteering and fundraising, and empowering customers to access fashion through “innovative and sustainable business models” are all on the Harrods agenda moving forward.

Furthermore, the heritage store has plans to get 75% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and reduce its scope one and two greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2030, against a 2022 baseline.

Harrods said it has already done a “huge piece of work” in developing a set of materials specifications and approved certifications to cover cotton, leather, cashmere, bast and synthetic fibres – something it plans to continue rolling out.

The original 2023 report outlined the department store’s approach to sustainability and the steps it has taken so far to “operate more responsibly across the value chain”. Harrods said it has made “positive strides” towards its ambitions since then.

Harrods managing director Michael Ward said: “We recognise that it is only by putting sustainability of our business, our supply chain and the planet at the forefront of our business, that we can assure the continuing high standards we have always stood for and that our customers have always expected.

“We are pleased to be able to take this step forward as a business alongside our colleagues, customers and supply chain partners, and are looking forward to the future of Harrods with optimism and pride in the Harrods Path to a more sustainable future.”