Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) announced the launch of the LS&Co. Energy Accelerator Program (LEAP) in partnership with Schneider Electric, a new initiative aimed at speeding the shift to renewable electricity in its supply chain.
According to Levi Strauss, the new initiative will support its target to reduce supply chain emissions 42% by 2030, compared to a 2022 baseline, and its longer-term pledge to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Levi Strauss will initially roll out the LEAP program in India, and intends to broaden to other markets over time.
Jeffrey Hogue, chief sustainability officer at LS&Co, said:
“We are committed to incentivizing renewable energy in our supply chain and know our path to our near-term supply chain emissions reduction target is through proven, scalable solutions that fit each supplier. Between Schneider Electric’s expertise and the robust network of renewable electricity opportunities available in India, we are now in a position to better support our suppliers in their own sustainability strategies – and to deliver on ours.”
Under the new program, suppliers will be provided with access to favorable pricing and investment terms for renewable power, in addition to being equipped with training and technical guidance.
Schneider Electric will provide advisory services and financial analysis to participants, who can pursue options such as installing on-site solar, buying renewable energy certificates, or joining group power purchase agreements. Levi Strauss was a participant in the first multi-buyer power purchase agreement (PPA) cohort for Walmart’s Gigaton PPA program in the U.S., which was also managed by Schneider Electric, and will serve as a model for any group PPAs developed through LEAP.
Steve Wilhite, President of Schneider Electric Sustainability Business, said:
“At Schneider Electric, we believe that accelerating the transition to renewable energy across global supply chains is essential to achieving meaningful climate impact. By combining our deep expertise in renewable advisory with LS&Co’s bold sustainability vision, we are helping unlock new opportunities for cleaner energy in India and beyond.”
