Animal Welfare & the Environment
Energy & Carbon
Reducing energy use and carbon emissions
We are working to reduce the energy used across our production sites and to lower the carbon emissions associated with making our products. Our approach combines renewable electricity, energy efficiency and longer-term planning for the transition away from gas.
Preparing for the transition from gas to electricity
Our Scope 1 and 2 Net Zero Plan is focused on preparing for a transition from gas to electricity across our production sites.
The timing of this transition is influenced by energy markets and the availability of suitable electrical grid infrastructure. These factors sit outside our direct control, so our work is focused on understanding our energy use, reducing demand where possible and increasing the amount of renewable electricity we use.
Generating more renewable electricity on site
Solar generation is now an important part of our renewable energy approach. New installations across our sites have increased the amount of electricity we can generate from the sun.
Understanding how energy is used
Reducing energy use starts with understanding how energy is used across our mills and where improvements can be made.
Where we are focusing our efforts
Our work to reduce energy use covers the equipment we operate, the way we manufacture and how we monitor and manage energy across our sites.
Energy‑efficient equipment
Energy efficiency is considered when we invest in new machinery and equipment, alongside the requirements of our manufacturing processes.
Production efficiency
We continue to look at our manufacturing processes to understand where energy use can be reduced while maintaining the standards of quality and craftsmanship expected from our mills.
Boiler management
Our boilers are an important part of our current energy use. Monitoring and maintaining this equipment is part of managing energy demand across our production sites.
Energy monitoring
Better monitoring helps us understand where energy is being used and identify areas where demand can be reduced.
Efficient lighting
We continue to consider energy-efficient lighting as part of the wider approach to reducing electricity use across our sites.
Renewable electricity
We are increasing the amount of renewable electricity used across our operations through renewable electricity purchasing and on-site solar generation.
Building a clearer picture of our emissions
Understanding our carbon emissions is an important part of our approach to reducing them. Our Scope 1 and 2 emissions are included within our Net Zero planning, alongside the wider energy transition taking place across our production sites.
We are also continuing to develop our understanding of emissions associated with our raw materials and supply chain. In particular, there is uncertainty around methane emissions associated with cashmere production.
We have co-sponsored Textile Exchange research into life cycle analysis across cashmere-producing regions in Mongolia and China. When the results become available, we will use them to help recalibrate our understanding of the emissions associated with cashmere.
Long-lasting products matter
Energy and carbon are only part of the picture. The longer a garment is worn and cared for, the longer the resources used to make it remain in use. Our approach to design and craftsmanship is centred on making products that can become part of a wardrobe for many years.
Questions we are working through
How much renewable electricity do we currently use?
In 2025, 32% of the energy used across our main production sites in Elgin and Hawick was renewable electricity. This electricity is generated on Scottish wind farms and backed by Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin, known as REGOs.
Why are we not moving away from gas immediately?
Moving from gas to electricity requires suitable electrical infrastructure and access to the energy capacity needed by our production sites. Energy markets and grid infrastructure affect the timing of this transition.
How does solar generation fit into our plans?
Solar generation is increasing the amount of renewable electricity that can be produced on our own sites. By June 2026, we had 753 kWp of installed solar capacity across Newmill, Hawick and Maker's Croft.
How are we developing our understanding of carbon emissions?
We continue to develop our understanding of emissions across our operations and supply chain. Research into the life cycle impacts of cashmere production will help us refine this understanding as new information becomes available.
