Boston, March 12, 2026 – Green Century Capital Management (Green Century) has secured a pledge from Columbia Sportswear that should decrease climate pollution from the company’s buildings over the next decade. Columbia says it will publish its plans, which will include utilizing more solar power and becoming more energy efficient, and it will also notify the public about its progress. The company also agreed to share its timeline for reporting the emissions from its supply chain, the largest source of its carbon contribution.
“Reducing energy use cuts emissions and strengthens companies’ bottom lines,” said Leslie Samuelrich, president of Green Century. ”Columbia’s commitment demonstrates it can run its business while simultaneously protecting the planet and investor portfolios.”
As part of Columbia’s agreement with Green Century’s, the clothing and outdoor gear company will tackle the emissions from its largest owned distribution center, its global headquarters, and all its owned and operated Oregon locations. Together, they cover more than a million square feet of space. If the company follows through on its plans to scale up solar and enhance efficiency, it will reduce its facilities’ contribution to its carbon footprint.
Columbia also has committed to detailing the results of these efforts in future sustainability reports, giving consumers and shareholders a clear view of how today’s investments are driving measurable emissions reductions over time.
Consumers want greener gear
The clothing industry is an increasingly scrutinized culprit when it comes to climate change. The 170 billion garments it generates each year are responsible for up to 10% of all planet-warming emissions.
Consumers, particularly young ones, are pushing companies to take responsibility for their environmental impact. A 2025 study from Syracuse University found that 81% of Gen Zers have changed their purchasing decision based on brand actions or reputation.
As a result, many outdoor retailers with a young, active customer base — such as the hikers, bikers, and campers who buy Columbia’s products — have adopted science-based goals to reduce their carbon footprints. Some of Columbia’s staunchest competitors, including Patagonia and North Face, already have earned cultural cache by taking actions such as recycling materials and sourcing renewable energy.
“We are pleased that Columbia is striving to make its operations as green as the forests its customers enjoy,” said Green Century Shareholder Advocate Giovanna Eichner. “We look forward to seeing Columbia expand its environmentally responsible behaviors throughout its facilities and its supply chain, better protecting both the outdoors its customers love and the demand for gear its business relies on.”
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