SERVICES

How outdoor wear brand Alpkit acquired a high-integrity diversified portfolio of offsets and removals

Offsets

sourced across 3 major continents

3,333 tCO2e

offset through carbon offset projects

< one month

to retire carbon offsets

About Alpkit

Alpkit is an environmentally conscious, premium multi-activity outdoor and bike brand with sustainability at its core. Recently awarded Ethical Consumer by Best Buy magazine (alongside Patagonia, Paramo and Vaude), Alpkit are founding members of The Microfibre Consortium and the outdoor industry Single Use Plastics Project and are also a Certified B Corporation. 

Alpkit has sustainability ingrained throughout the business, driven by clear guidelines for sustainable practices since 2004. As the company expanded, the team was looking to take greater responsibility over their environmental impact. In 2023 they decided it was appropriate to source a viable sustainability partner that was able to provide certified, high-grade offsets that aligned with their values and wider sustainability goals.

Location

United Kingdom

Company size

50 - 200

Industry

Sporting Goods

The Challenge

Reconciling reduction targets and offsetting foreign emissions

Amidst Alpkit’s pursuit of sustainability, the team encountered a pivotal challenge – reconciling their ambitious carbon emission reduction targets with the imperative of offsetting scope 1-3 emissions. 

Having previously collaborated with Nottingham Trent University, Alpkit had already calculated their carbon footprint and set robust Science Based Targets to reduce their environmental impact but with no supplement plan of action.The intricacies of scope 1-3 emissions led Alpkit to a crossroads, how to balance their dedication and mission to limit negative environmental practices with the need for responsible offsetting. 

To achieve their goals, Alpkit sought a sustainability partner that understood the balance between their ambition and the need to take responsible action. One Tribe was able to deliver the appropriate offset guidance, supporting Alpkit’s requirements to source viable offsets that aligned with the brand’s ethos on environmental stewardship. 

One Tribe’s team recognised Alpkit’s desire to support carbon offset initiatives in the regions and locations where they manufacture, such as China. Alpkit was keen to mitigate the impact resulting from their supply chain and to support China’s move to renewable energy, determining the type and location of potential offset projects.

Cost was also a consideration, as the Alpkit Foundation (which funds environment, nature and climate projects) aims to maximise their positive impact across various projects both internationally and in the UK.

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"Ric and the One Tribe team have been fantastic in helping us navigate the world of carbon offsets and deliver our twin approach of certified offsets plus grassroots environmental action through the Alpkit Foundation.

One Tribe has helped us source a balanced portfolio of certified offsets aligned with our values and emissions footprint.

Reducing our emissions ahead of our Science-based Based Targets is and always will be our number one goal. And we’ve reduced our carbon intensity by more than 50% since 2018.

We recognise that buying an offset isn’t the solution and see carbon neutrality as a point on our journey to true net zero - the near total decarbonisation of Alpkit."

David Hanney

Co-founder and CEO at Alpkit

The Solution

Sourcing impact-driven offsets aligned with business objectives

Leveraging the expertise of One Tribe’s carbon team, One Tribe were able to rapidly devise a carbon mitigation strategy and deliver a service that fulfilled Alpkit’s emission objectives.

One Tribe’s carbon team began with pinpointing the essence of Alpkit’s goals and aligning them with impactful projects. One Tribe initially set out to understand the sustainability goals and values of the company to identify the most suitable projects that aligned with Alpkit’s carbon emission mitigation goals. One Tribe’s team considered the product manufacturing locations, the importance of having a positive impact on people as well as the environment, and the types of climate projects Alpkit wished to fund.

One Tribe conducted extensive due diligence and sourced a diverse portfolio of high integrity projects that covered both wind-based renewable energy and nature-based conservation projects in China, India and South Africa.

The projects that were sourced and selected by One Tribe and Alpkit prevented logging and deforestation, protected native biodiversity, and contributed to local employment opportunities. Most importantly, the projects addressed Alpkit’s decarbonisation goals and company ethos to maintain respect for the environment and improve livelihoods.

To further support Alpkit’s needs as a customer-facing brand, One Tribe created a fully customisable Impact Page that serves as a testament to the potency Alpkit’s ESG credentials, project funding initiatives, and remarkable strides in carbon offsetting. The page showcases Alpkit’s commitment to positive change, showcasing their dedication to environmental stewardship. One Tribe’s tool utilises data visualisation to transform intricate information into captivating narratives, allowing Alpkit to transparently communicate their profound sustainability efforts to their consumers and stakeholders. With full automation, the One Tribe Impact Page offers an elegant no-touch solution, granting Alpkit the tranquillity to focus on their core operations while ensuring their sustainability journey remains certified and secure. 

The Results

Acquiring a high-integrity diversified offset portfolio

Beyond the immediate results, Alpkit and One Tribe’s partnership had broader implications. The collaboration became a compelling case study for businesses, demonstrating the value of taking responsibility for carbon emissions that could not be entirely eliminated. Alpkit’s commitment to offsetting showcased their dedication to sustainability, enhancing their brand reputation among eco-conscious consumers and stakeholders.

One Tribe’s agile approach, coupled with the profound understanding of Alpkit’s vision, facilitated a process that was as time-efficient as it was purpose-driven. This lightning-paced journey serves as a testament to One Tribe’s dedication to promptly translating sustainability aspirations into concrete, measurable change.

The collaboration between Alpkit and One Tribe yielded significant outcomes. While complete elimination of certain emissions proved challenging, Alpkit’s decision to offset these emissions showcased a proactive stance in addressing environmental impact. 

Want to start your carbon journey? Speak to our team today to discover how.