Thor Details Climate Change Initiatives

A picture of generic climate change awareness, Earth Day

Thor Industries is tackling business threats caused by climate change in the company’s released Carbon and Climate Report.

The manufacturer’s sustainability risk management approach includes a plan for “mitigating direct and indirect carbon emissions” – noted as Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions – across Thor’s operations.

“Climate change is a direct and real threat to the environment our owners rely on to enjoy the RV lifestyle, which creates a threat to our business,” said Chris Workman, Thor’s VP of global supply management and sustainability. “Aside from being the right thing to do, it is imperative for Thor Industries to manage these risks and lead the RV industry in doing so. Our disclosure on Carbon and Climate report sets a baseline and the action steps needed to deliver on our ambitious sustainability goals.”

Thor stated it is spotlighting sustainability as a business imperative on Earth Day and as the kickoff to camping season.

“Since the beginning of 2020, more individuals and families than ever are turning to the outdoors for relaxation, fun and connection with nature and each other — a trend predicted by business analysts to continue for the long term,” Thor stated.

The Carbon and Climate Report quantifies current emissions across the Thor company family, defining reduction targets and identifying key actions to help realize the company’s stated carbon net-neutral goal by 2050, including:

  • Engaging with electricity partners to understand and drive conversion to renewables
  • Internal investments in renewable energy self-generation
  • Energy use reduction, including a recent investment of $1.279 million anticipated to realize an estimated 10,815 megawatt per hour reduction
  • An expanded partnership with the National Forest Foundation to plant half a million new trees by 2025
  • In 2020, Thor signed the UN Global Compact “Business Ambition for 1.5°C,” making a commitment to achieve 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and achieve net neutrality by 2050.

According to Workman, the company’s progress has established significant sustainability targets and benchmarking impacts as a “natural progression of its growth and long-term business goals.”

“Thor views sustainability as both a business imperative and an opportunity for positive environmental and social change,” Workman said. “What is good for the outdoors benefits our owners, industry partners and ultimately, our business. We will continue to make improvements, share progress and challenge ourselves and our family of companies to do more.”

Subsequent reporting on Thor’s carbon emission reduction efforts will be included in the company’s annual sustainability report.

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