Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) is taking the next step to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The San Franscisco-based company announced on Wednesday the launch of the LS&Co. Energy Accelerator Program (LEAP), a program to increase access to renewable electricity for its supply chain, starting in India.
The program is in partnership with Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation. LS&Co. was a participant alongside four other companies in the first multi-buyer power purchase agreement (PPA) cohort for Walmart’s Gigaton PPA program in the U.S., managed by Schneider Electric, which will serve as a model for any group PPAs developed through LEAP.
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Through LEAP, manufacturing suppliers in India will have be offered the best available pricing, terms and return on investment to enable renewable energy procurement, LS&Co. stated. The program will include in-depth training modules, financial analysis and access to Schneider Electric’s advisory services.
Additionally, suppliers that join LEAP will have the opportunity to explore individual purchase opportunities, such as on-site solar or certificate purchasing, or join a multi-buyer cohort for a power purchase agreement (PPA).
“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,” said Jeffrey Hogue, chief sustainability officer at LS&Co. “Between Schneider Electric’s expertise and the robust network of renewable electricity opportunities available in India, we’re now in a position to better support our suppliers in their own sustainability strategies—and to deliver on ours.”
LS&Co. said the program comes at a time when there is a significant opportunity to increase awareness and technical capacity with Indian suppliers as they navigate the renewable electricity landscape. In a statement, Shri Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India said LEAP shows “that businesses can benefit from clearer and more accessible renewable energy opportunities.”
“As India embarks on an ambitious journey towards a greener, more resilient future, it’s inspiring to see global brands like Levi Strauss & Co. embracing this shift and empowering their supply chains to adopt renewable energy,” said Deepak Sharma, zone president, Greater India & MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India.
LEAP supports LS&Co.’s near-term supply chain emission reduction target of 42 percent by 2030 (from a 2022 baseline year) as part of its long-term journey to 2050 target. The company plans expand the program to other business partners and geographies.
“We’re proud to partner with Levi Strauss & Co. on the LEAP initiative, which exemplifies how companies can lead with purpose and scale proven solutions to empower their suppliers,” said Steve Wilhite, president, Schneider Electric Sustainability Business. “By combining our deep expertise in renewable energy advisory with LS&Co.’s bold sustainability vision, we’re helping unlock new opportunities for cleaner energy in India and beyond.”
Denim companies are investing in India. Earlier this month, textile-to-retail conglomerate Arvind Limited, in collaboration with H&M Group and Indian innovation start-up Deven Supercriticals Pvt. Ltd., announced the inauguration of India’s first supercritical CO₂ dyeing machine at Arvind’s facility in Ahmedabad.
In June, Epic Group and Creative Group, an Indian vertical apparel and textile manufacturer, announced their partnership for a new state-of-the-art denim and bottoms manufacturing facility in India. The new facility will have a production capacity of 700,000 units per month.
