Nike's global footprint reduction

Nike has 5 different sustainable categories where they are able to make improvements. The categories are product design and materials, carbon and energy, waste, water, and chemistry. Nike has emitted 14 million metric tonnes of carbon dioxide, 143 million gigajoules of energy, 1 million metric tonnes of waste, and 163 billion gallons of water.

In Nikes's product design process, it is stated that their aim is to minimize their footprint and maximize their performance. Their goal is to cut the carbon footprint of their products an average of 10% by 2020. They will use better cotton, recycled polyester, certified leather, environmentally preferred rubber, and innovative materials.

In reference to Nike's carbon and energy emissions, their aim is to reduce carbon footprint by pursuing innovation in low-impact materials, driving energy efficiency in our supply chain and advancing renewable energy in owned or operated facilities. For example, Nike has expanded use of renewable energy in their built environment, including all new retail stores. 96% of Nike's footwear product volume over the past five years has came from factories participating in their energy and carbon program.

In reference to their waste reduction, Nike sees excellent opportunities for value capturing and cost savings, and they are working towards a closed-loop future to eliminate the concept of waste. Nike has committed to reducing waste in manufacturing, improving packaging, and implemented the concept of recycle, reuse, repurpose. For example, Nike has avoided 2 million pounds of waste through Flyknit Technology through 2015.

To reduce their water footprint, Nike has set targets for 2020. Their primary goal is to achieve a 20% erduction in freshwater use in textile dyeing and finishing per kilogram of material from primary material vendors. Nike has committed to increasing the participation in Nike's water program across all Nike brands, drive industry change through the use of the Nike-developed H20 insight tool, and assessing geographic impact of water.

Finally to reduce their chemical emissions, Nike has committed to work to decrease the use and discharge of toxic chemicals in their supply chain by replacing them with better alternatives. They have decided to establish an industry-wide management program, expand use of environmentally referred chemistries, expand material traceability, expand chemicals management and awareness training, as well as explore disclosure advancements.