Target calls supplier energy use “the largest driver of our upstream footprint and the single most powerful lever for decarbonization,” in its 2026 Sustainability and Governance Report. Scope 3 emissions, which cover sourcing, production, transportation and guest use of its products, make up 98.5% of the retailer’s total footprint.
Target is targeting a 32.5% absolute cut in supply chain emissions by 2035 from a 2017 baseline. It reports a 10.7% reduction so far. Upstream manufacturing and materials account for 45% of Scope 3 emissions, while product use by customers accounts for another 26%, Supply Chain Dive reported. Target’s Forward Renew program with Schneider Electric is in its second year and has worked with 187 US suppliers on capability building and advisory support.
Walmart ran a similar supplier renewable-power push with Schneider Electric starting in 2020, under Project Gigaton, pooling more than 300 corporate buyers and sellers to help its suppliers reach renewable energy deals.
Target formed its own first US supply chain renewable energy purchasing cohort in 2025, letting suppliers buy renewable electricity as a group instead of alone. “By enabling long-term renewable electricity procurement, the cohort strengthens supply chain resilience and establishes scalable models,” Target said in the report.
Target and Schneider Electric plan to run more cohorts, including regional programs in India, China, Vietnam, South Korea and Indonesia.
