Watershed > Case Studies > Everlane's Sustainable Transformation in Retail Through IoT

Everlane's Sustainable Transformation in Retail Through IoT

Applicable Industries

Apparel
Retail

Applicable Functions

Logistics & Transportation
Procurement

Use Cases

Continuous Emission Monitoring Systems
Supply Chain Visibility

About The Customer

Everlane is a US-based apparel and footwear brand that was launched in 2010. The company is committed to creating high-quality products that are ethically and sustainably sourced, without charging luxury prices. Everlane's sustainability work is guided by three pillars: keep Earth cool, keep Earth clean, and do right by people. The company sources products from over 40 factories in more than 10 countries and has set ambitious Science-Based Targets to significantly lower its carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The Challenge

Everlane, a US-based apparel and footwear brand, was founded with a commitment to creating high-quality, ethically and sustainably sourced products. The company set ambitious Science-Based Targets to lower carbon emissions per product by 55% and emissions in stores and offices by 46% by 2030, with a goal of net zero emissions by 2050. However, achieving these targets was a challenge, especially considering the company's exponential growth and sourcing from over 40 factories in more than 10 countries. Previously, Everlane worked with consultants on carbon footprints, a process that took upwards of eight months. The company needed a way to accelerate its emissions measurement and shift from backward-looking analyses to forward-looking strategy.

The Solution

Everlane partnered with Watershed to speed up its emissions measurement process. With Watershed's tools, Everlane could quickly and efficiently measure, analyze, and drill into their emissions data, allowing them to focus on increasing future impact by integrating emissions reduction into company-level strategy and decision-making. The insights from Watershed also enabled Everlane to map how different material or process choices impact their total footprint, informing their design decisions. Furthermore, Everlane addressed the challenge of reducing Scope 3 emissions, which are generated by external suppliers and vendors, by working directly with suppliers to model the impact of switching to recycled materials, developing innovative new materials, and encouraging vendors to enact their own emissions reduction initiatives.

Operational Impact

The partnership with Watershed has allowed Everlane to shift from backward-looking analyses to forward-looking strategy, focusing on how to increase future impact by integrating emissions reduction into company-level strategy and decision-making. The insights gained from Watershed have led to meaningful product changes and significant reductions in their carbon footprint. Everlane has also been able to influence its supply chain to reduce their emissions, leading to significant strides in addressing and reducing their Scope 3 emissions. This has not only helped Everlane in its sustainability goals but also had a concrete impact on the bottom line, unlocking powerful business value from climate work.

Quantitative Benefit

Accelerated the emissions measurement process from 8 months to 8 weeks
Achieved substantial per-product emissions reductions in just two years
Set to lower carbon emissions per product by 55% and emissions in stores and offices by 46% by 2030