Outdoor association makes Race To Zero mandatory
Members of the European Outdoor Group (EOG) have voted to make committing to a Race To Zero initiative by the end of 2024 a mandatory requirement of association membership.
In a process that was open to all members, 88% of those who voted were in favour of the proposals, which had been recommended by the EOG board and executive team.
The Race to Zero (RTZ) is the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) global programme, which includes several initiatives. All partners must meet robust science-aligned criteria in delivering credible measures that work towards net zero emissions.
For 20 years, the European Outdoor Group has been the voice of the European outdoor sector. The EOG has addressed some of the big challenges through initiatives such as the Single Use Plastics Project and Carbon Reduction Project, and in supporting the foundation of organisations such as the European Outdoor Conservation Association and The Microfibre Consortium.
At the EOG’s summer meeting in June, outline proposals were presented that would make signing up to a Race To Zero initiative by the end of 2024 a requirement of membership. Following the meeting, a schedule of presentations and discussion sessions was rolled out.
Matt Gowar (pictured), EOG president, said: “I am delighted that we have achieved a decisive and positive result in the Race To Zero vote, and thank our members for such a high level of engagement in the process, which included some really in depth and well considered discussions. While the reality is that many of the measures that are part of Race To Zero initiatives are inevitable anyway, our industry is sending a clear signal that it is fully committed to serious, sustained and accelerating action to reduce emissions.”
EOG members include Adidas Terrex, Jack Wolfskin, Keen and Wolverine.
