Carbon Offsetting In The Fashion Industry
Fashion is a carbon-heavy industry. From energy-intensive textile production to global shipping and overproduction, our wardrobes have a huge footprint. While the ultimate goal is reduction, carbon offsetting has entered the chat.
But is offsetting just a way to ease corporate guilt? Or can fashion brands use it responsibly? Let’s unpack it.
What Is Carbon Offsetting?
Carbon offsetting is the practice of compensating for your own greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by funding projects that reduce or remove emissions elsewhere. Think for example:
Planting trees
Investing in renewable energy (like wind farms)
Supporting methane capture from landfills
How Fashion Brands Can Offset Carbon
Measure Your Emissions First
Start by calculating your carbon footprint (Scopes 1, 2, and 3). This includes:Scope 1: Direct emissions from your facilities
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from electricity
Scope 3: Everything else (materials, supply chain, travel, etc.)
Reduce Where You Can
Before you offset, slash what you can. Use lower-impact materials. Rethink logistics. Go renewable. Offsetting should be the last step, not the first.Choose Quality Offsets
Not all offsets are equal. Avoid sketchy schemes. Look for ones verified by trusted standards like:Gold Standard
Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)
Climate Action Reserve
Tell the Story Honestly
Consumers can sniff out greenwashing. Be clear about what you’ve offset, what you’re still working on, and how you chose your projects.
Offsetting Isn’t a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card
Offsetting doesn't cancel out poor practices. You can't keep polluting and expect offsets to clean up the mess. It's a helpful bridge while you decarbonise your operations, not a loophole.
Aya’s Role in Responsible Offsetting
At Aya Sustainability, we help fashion brands build authentic carbon strategies. That means:
Measuring full-scope emissions
Designing realistic reduction plans
Identifying credible offset partners
Communicating impact transparently
