Sustainable Development Goals

House of Baukjen continues to works with key global organisations to lead towards a better world. These include The Fashion Pact, UN Fashion Charter, Global Environment Facility, Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Science-Based Targets for Nature. We are honoured to be the first fashion brand to be associated with Terra Carta, an initiative launched by HRH The Prince of Wales to encourage the world’s CEOs to commit to speed up net-zero commitments ahead of the Paris Agreement. We are also very proud to be a Certified B Corp, with the accolade of the highest scoring fashion B Corp in the UK and the second highest in Europe, with a rating of ‘outstanding’.

For our impact report we have adopted the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework which consist of 17 goals which form a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030.

The foundation of this framework consists of four Biosphere Goals as a pre-condition for eight Social Justice Goals, four Economic Development Goals together underpinning the ultimate Sustainable Development Goal. This contrasts the usual ‘economy first’ approach to sustainable development and is in line with the fact that we are a B Corp, achieving the highest performance in social and environmental KPIs.

We understand the importance of these goals, so we have and are focused in specific on all biosphere goals (6, 13, 14, and 15), and several other key goals across society (5, and 7), and the economy (8, 10, and 12). Please click here to find out more about SDGs.

We are excited to continue to share our journey to a better world and be as transparent with you as possible.

BIOSPHERE GOALS

Clean Water and Sanitation

Clean Water and Sanitation

Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

  • Our factories follow our code of conduct, exceeding EU REACH standards to ensure that natural water source pollution and hazardous waste production and disposal are always avoided.
  • We have achieved a 35.6% reduction in water usage in our value chain this past quarter, and are aiming for an even greater reduction throughout the year with the incorporation of even more responsible fibres and dyes with lower water consumption and treatment.
  • We do not produce conventional cotton or viscose as of Q1 2021. Using EcoVero instead of conventional viscose reduces water consumption by 56% and carbon emissions by 37%. The use of organic cotton instead of conventional cotton reduces water consumption by 88% and carbon emissions by 16%.
    • Climate Action

    Climate Action

    Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

  • We became completely Carbon Negative across our entire supply chain as of 2020 by analysing, reducing, restoring and offsetting our carbon emissions through Gold Standard CER and VER offsets. Carbon Negative means that the impact goes beyond achieving net zero carbon emissions to actually create an environmental benefit by removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
  • In Q1 of 2021, we have further reduced our carbon by 40.3% through innovative sourcing and process changes in all tiers of our supply chain.
  • We became the first fashion brand to be associated with Terra Carta, an initiative launched by HRH The Prince of Wales to encourage the world’s CEOs to commit to speed up net-zero commitments ahead of the Paris Agreement.
  • We have teamed up with the United Nations Fashion Charter for Climate Action (UNFCCC) to collaborate with industry-leading fashion companies to disrupt the fast fashion model, and greatly reduce the sector’s carbon output.
    • Life Below Water

    Life Below Water

    Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

  • We have achieved a 76% reduction in conventional synthetic fibres in the last quarter. This is essential to reduce microfibre and microplastic pollution, and we are committed to completely eliminate conventional synthetics as this is not sustainable enough.
  • We proudly support GuppyBag and PlanetCare to collect these harmful microfibres and microplastics when washing garments during the customer use phase
  • 70% of primary plastics in the oceans comes from packaging. Ours is 100% plastic free.
  • We have incorporated new recycled fabrics such as polyester, cotton and wool into our collection, following our core mission which is to be a fully circular business.
  • We reuse all of our B2B packaging. These textiles are getting a second life for good.
    • Life on Land

    Life on Land

    Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss.

  • We have collaborated with the Global Environment Facility (GEF) through The Fashion Pact to achieve biodiversity benchmarking in the fashion industry to highlight key impact areas to work on to protect our biosphere for future generations.
  • Deforestation will not happen on our watch. All the viscose in our collection is sourced from sustainably managed forests. All of our catalogues and packaging that is wood-based is also certified by FSC or PEFC for European-based sourcing to ensure the highest standards are met.
  • Each tree is not equal. Therefore, we only plant trees and mangroves in areas with rich biodiversity. This helps to restore nature, instead of disrupting existing ecosystems like grasslands and peatlands.
  • We have eliminated conventional viscose from production, leaving only EcoVero fibres in their place. These fibres are certified by the EU Ecolabel, which is a certification of environmental excellence that is awarded to products and services meeting high environmental standards throughout their life-cycle.
  • We have a comprehensive restricted substance list (RSL) including Chromium VI for our leather, and chlorobenzenes for our recycled polyester and polyamide to protect biodiversity which is essential to all life on planet Earth.
  • We are collaborating with Canopy on their CanopyStyle and Pack4Good initiatives to ensure we are sourcing our wood based fibres and packaging from sustainably managed forests.

    • SOCIAL JUSTICE GOALS

    Gender Equality

    Gender Equality

    Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

  • We’re proud that 76% of our team are women.
  • Women are represented across all levels of the business including over 50% being CEOs and Executives.
  • We donate clothing to Smart Works to support unemployed women in need.
  • We are proud to pay our employees based on their roles and regularly do a pay equity analysis. We can confirm that as of Q1 2021 the pay-gap is zero.
    • Affordable and Clean Energy

    Affordable and Clean Energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.

  • We have always used 100% low impact renewable sources in our warehouses and offices.
  • Through the Fashion Pact we’ve pledged to implement 100% renewable energy across the majority of our supply chain by 2030. We are on track to achieve this by 2025.
  • We are engaging in collaborations through Working Groups in The Fashion Pact to be leaders in providing affordable renewable energy to the entire fashion industry.
    • No Poverty

    No Poverty

    End poverty in all forms everywhere.

    This is a powerful commitment to leave no one behind and to reach those farthest behind first. We are active in the anti-slavery movement, we only source raw materials from certified sources with no modern slavery, our factories have signed our rigorous code of conduct going even beyond REACH legislation, and we are a living wages company.

    Zero Hunger

    Zero Hunger

    End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

    We donate more than 10% of our profits to charities including ones that address hunger.

    Good Health and Well-Being

    Good Health and Well-Being

    Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, we donated over 30,000 re-useable face masks to those who needed them the most. We find mental health very important and support charities with donations. We also care very much about the mental health of our staff and have a daily zoom call to see each other’s faces, smile and touch base. We will never force our team to go to the office in dangerous times.

    Quality Education

    Quality Education

    Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

    Although we do not directly impact this SDG, we always search for ways to help, for example by donating computers to underserved communities that need them the most and donating materials to local schools.

    Sustainable Cities and Communities

    Sustainable Cities and Communities

    Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

    This has not been a core focus for us. However, we ensure our employees are as safe as possible, not travelling to work unless essential during the pandemic.

    Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

    Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

    Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

    We do not directly impact this SDG within our business operations. We understand the importance of this SDG, and it is in our DNA to be as inclusive, peaceful, and planet positive as possible.

    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GOALS

    Decent Work and Economic Growth

    Decent Work and Economic Growth

    Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all.

  • Our facilities have signed our rigorous code of conduct and we are a living wages company.
  • We scored 100% in our Impact Business Model section of Governance in our record-breaking B Corp score.
  • We run our warehouse in a low income community to promote sustainable economic growth.
    • Reduced Inequalities

    Reduced Inequalities

    Reduce inequality within and among countries.

  • We donate at least 10% of our profits each year to charities. We continue to support charities including Great Ormand Street Hospital, NHS Charities Together, Women & Children First, Women’s Trust, Diana Award and Every Mother Counts through campaigns, products, and direct donations. In 2020, we donated over £100K to multiple charities.
  • We have started working with new factories that are women owned and run
  • Over 20% of our production comes from women-led factories.
  • We always endeavour to support underprivileged people including women across our supply chain.
    • Responsible Consumption and Production

    Responsible Consumption and Production

    Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

  • 92% of our collection is made from responsible fibres. This is an 11% improvement since last quarter.
  • We are a Zero Waste company. This means we have eliminated all discharges to land, water or air that are a threat to planetary, human, animal or plant health.
  • 100% of our parcels are plastic free. Our packaging is also 100% biodegradable. We are on track to be completely plastic free in our supply chain by 2025.
  • Our production line follows a fully circular model. We ensure we never overproduce our garments, and we have never sent anything to landfill or incineration.
  • If the customer no longer needs our garment, they can return it to us so we mechanically (not chemically) recycle it into new fibres for future collections. This is achieved through our supplying partner Valerius 360.
  • In February, we launched Baukjen’s sister brand Isabella Oliver’s ethical maternity collection for SS21 being comprised of innovative fabrics that reduce our impacts, and restore our earth; a global first.
  • We are incorporating blockchain and AI technology into our supply chain and are working on innovative solutions with Supply Compass and Freedom Row to optimize our supply chain, and strengthen digital infrastructure through the use of QR technology that is consumer friendly.
  • We have officially signed the CANOPY pledge.

    Canopy is a not-for-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting forests, species, and climate. Canopy has collaborated with more than 750 companies to develop innovative solutions, make their supply chains more sustainable and help protect our world’s remaining Ancient and Endangered Forests. www.canopyplanet.org


    • Read more about our Canopy pledge here
    Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

    Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation.

    We do not directly impact this SDG, but we understand its importance. We are incorporating blockchain and AI technology into our supply chain and are working on innovative solutions with Supply Compass and Freedom Row to strengthen digital infrastructure.

    We are developing bespoke sustainable fabrics and supporting pioneering recycled fabric innovations.

    SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPERMENT GOALS

    Partnerships For The Goal

    Partnerships For The Goal

    Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development.

    We strongly understand the importance of this SDG, and we encourage and welcome everyone and other businesses to be more ethical and sustainable, join forces with institutes that promote a better planet, and in general to follow the inspiring guidelines the Sustainable Development goals offer.

    At House of Baukjen we are constantly campaigning for change and striving for hope by disrupting the fast fashion model. We realise that we need to lead by example and encourage others, which is why we pride ourselves in transparency; across our fabrics, supply chain and our circular model including our re-commerce initiatives; Pre-Loved, rental, subscription, and care and repair. We are also proud to be a certified B Corp, an accreditation you can’t manipulate, there’s no greenwashing involved. You need to earn it. What matters is the journey towards a better world. For the sake of the planet and the people, we urge other businesses to join us.

    We are proud of our journey so far, but we are not perfect and there is much more to be done. We are campaigning for change and encourage everyone to join our movement.

    SCIENCE-BASED TARGETS

    We would like to be fully transparent with you. Please find our official environmental targets, including our official Science-Based Targets. We have already achieved many of these, and are proud to be leaders with our target achievements.


    • We will reduce our GHG emissions by 20% by 2025 in line with the 1.5°C agreement. SDG 13 - Climate Action

    • We will reduce our water consumption by 20% by 2025. SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation

    • We will reduce our net waste product by 30% by 2025. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

    • We will pledge to use 20% less environmentally damaging chemicals in our supply chain by 2025. SDG 14 + 15 - Life Below Water + Life On Land

    • We commit to implement 50% renewable energy across own operations by 2025 and 100% by 2030. Additionally we will incentivise implementation of renewables in all high impact manufacturing processes along the entire supply chain. SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

    • We support climate adaptation and resilience through sustainable sourcing of key raw materials. Therefore, we commit that 100% of our key raw materials are low climate impact (e.g Organic, regenerative, sustainable etc.) by 2025. SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production

    • We commit to zero deforestation and the protection and sustainable management of natural forests by 2025. SDG 15 - Life on Land


    Click here to view the 2020 Q4 Impact Report
    Click here to view the 2021 Q2 Impact Report