Lowe Alpine Commits to Achieving NET ZERO by 2030

Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd is an international company headquartered in Derbyshire, UK. Today it is the proud owner of the brands Rab and Lowe Alpine. They design exceptional products to meet the needs of their active customers. They encourage their teams to thrive and be part of their success.

Equip is delighted to announce that as part of their long-term sustainability strategy, they are committed to achieving Net Zero by 2030. As a first step, Equip became a "Climate Neutral Company" in November 2020, certified by South Pole, an independent project developer and climate solutions provider.

Matt Gowar, CEO of Equip, explains, "Since our inception, our brands have been driven by one goal: to awaken the climber, the mountaineer in all of us and inspire our customers to enjoy the outdoors as much as we do. This is what drives us to preserve and protect the outdoors for future generations and to make a positive change in the world that goes beyond our brands and products." Gowar continues, "Committing to Net Zero by 2030 is the right thing to do for us as active mountain people and for our company. We wanted to act immediately, so being a climate neutral company allowed us to act early and take a bold but decisive step that few other brands do. We will grow our brands and businesses in the right way to enable us to protect the environment in which we thrive."

"Climate neutral" means reducing emissions and balancing the remaining ones with carbon credits. These support projects that reduce or eliminate emissions, such as expanding renewable energy or conserving vital forests and carbon sinks. Achieving "net zero" means that Equip will not release more unavoidable greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere than it will neutralize with actual carbon removal.

South Pole has awarded Equip the Climate Neutral Company label based on the scope and verification of 2019 emissions data. Indeed within the company there are a number of emissions reduction activities underway:

- Switching to 100% renewable energy in the UK head office and distribution centre

- Switching the sales fleet to plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicles

- Switching to recycled fabrics and both synthetic and P.U.R.E down insulation with some of the larger ranges

- Removal of plastic or replacement of at least 50% of packaging with recycled plastic by Spring/Summer 21.

The goal and the different projects chosen by Equip

As a first step towards net zero, all current greenhouse gas emissions that occur in the company's business processes are quantified. Subsequently, a greenhouse gas reduction plan with clear and measurable targets will be put in place. These targets are set in accordance with climate science. Equip's offset partner, South Pole, will ensure that the data on which the Net Zero approach is based is verified in an independent, transparent and science-based manner. In addition, it will ensure that all projects contribute to sustainable development goals.

Equip's chosen projects include: Nam Hong Hydroelectric Power Plant in Vietnam; Efficient Cookstoves for Women in Nepal; Protection of Kariba Forest in Zimbabwe.

Debbie Read, Equip's CSR Manager, comments: "By committing to Net Zero by 2030, we are embarking on an ambitious but essential journey. The climate crisis cannot be ignored and the need to act quickly is clear. Partnering with South Pole allows us to develop a robust process to define an aggressive reduction plan and targets in line with the SBT methodology. The opportunity to support meaningful offset projects aligned with the SDGs provides immediate and tangible benefits that are both motivating and create an emotional connection for our business."