H&M Secures Solar Power Partnership with R.Power in Poland

• H&M Group partners with R.Power to secure 50 GWh of solar energy annually, powering its Polish operations and reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable future.

H&M Group has finalized a solar power purchase agreement with Polish developer R.Power SA, ensuring the supply of 50 GWh of renewable electricity annually for its Polish operations. The agreement, effective from 2026 to 2035, will source energy from various solar installations throughout Poland.

This initiative aims to provide clean power for H&M’s stores, distribution centers, and offices, marking a significant step in the company's decarbonization efforts. R.Power expressed pride in supporting H&M’s sustainability goals and anticipates further collaborations to enhance environmental impact.

How does H&M's solar agreement contribute to its sustainability and decarbonization goals?

Certainly! Here are additional insights on how H&M's solar agreement contributes to its sustainability and decarbonization goals:

• Reduction of Carbon Footprint: By sourcing 50 GWh of renewable electricity annually from solar power, H&M aims to significantly lower its greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy consumption in its operations.
• Transition to Renewable Energy: The long-term commitment to solar energy aligns with H&M's broader strategy to transition to 100% renewable energy across its global operations, moving away from fossil fuels.
• Supporting Local Economies: Partnering with a local Polish developer, R.Power SA, not only aids in reducing H&M’s carbon footprint but also contributes to job creation and economic development in the renewable energy sector within Poland.
• Increased Energy Resilience: Utilizing solar energy enhances H&M's energy security and resilience, mitigating risks associated with energy supply volatility and price fluctuations in conventional energy markets.
• Alignment with Industry Standards: This solar agreement demonstrates H&M's adherence to global sustainability frameworks, such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which encourages companies to set science-based emissions reduction targets.
• Consumer Engagement: By committing to renewable energy, H&M enhances its brand image as a socially responsible company, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers and driving customer loyalty.
• Circular Economy Contributions: The move towards solar energy supports H&M’s goals of promoting a circular economy by reducing reliance on non-renewable resources and fostering sustainability in production processes.
• Collaborative Opportunities: The partnership with R.Power opens doors for future collaborations in renewable energy projects, which may further enhance H&M's sustainability initiatives across other regions.
• Benchmark for the Fashion Industry: As one of the leading global fashion retailers, H&M's proactive approach to solar energy sets a benchmark for sustainability within the industry, encouraging competitors to adopt similar decarbonization strategies.
• Transparency and Reporting: The implementation of the solar power agreement allows H&M to improve its accountability in sustainability reporting, providing measurable outcomes related to energy consumption and emission reductions.

Overall, H&M’s solar agreement is a critical step forward in fostering a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to fashion retail, contributing to its long-term decarbonization efforts.