Carbon Footprint — Operations: How does Gap score?

Gap Inc. reports Scope 1 (39,569 tCO2e) and Scope 2 market-based (59,753 tCO2e) for FY2024 via GHG Protocol with assurance statements. However, reductions from 2017 baseline fell from 77% (2022) to 74% (2024), indicating operational emissions have risen in recent years despite long-term progress.

Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain: How does Gap score?

Gap reports ~4,000,381 tCO2e Scope 3 emissions (FY2024) covering purchased goods, transport, and franchises. Three key suppliers have SBTi-aligned targets; 83% of sourcing spend allocated to green-rated factories. However, 13% reduction from 2017 baseline is modest for an SBTi-committed company, and absolute Scope 3 emissions have increased.

Emissions Trajectory: How does Gap score?

Gap's emissions trajectory shows material regression. Scope 1&2 reductions fell from 77% (2022) to 74% (2024); Scope 3 reductions fell from 16% (2017–2022) to 13% (2017–2024). Both operational and supply-chain absolute emissions have risen in recent years despite long-term baseline improvements, a significant red flag.

Energy Source: How does Gap score?

Gap achieved 58% renewable electricity in company-operated facilities as of 2022, with a 90MW VPPA with Enel Green Power and 100% renewable target by 2030. Progress from 1% in 2017 is significant, but the company has not reached 90%+ threshold and the 2024 figure remains flat at ~58%.

Nature & Biodiversity Impact: How does Gap score?

Gap has assessed nature dependencies with a Wood-Derived Fabric Policy aligned to Canopy, prohibiting ancient forest sourcing. 98% of cotton from sustainable sources (BCI, organic, recycled, regenerative). However, no TNFD-aligned disclosure, no quantified nature footprint. Good On You notes the unsustainable fast-fashion model inherently pressures ecosystems.

Resource Use & Waste: How does Gap score?

Gap achieved 80% recycled content in consumer plastic packaging (2025 target met). TextileGenesis traceability covers 82 million garments; 40% polyester from recycled sources. Athleta is B Corp certified. However, the fast-fashion model—high-volume production, heavy discounting, enormous product throughput across Old Navy and Gap—remains fundamentally linear and resource-intensive.

Water Impact: How does Gap score?

Gap reports 28 billion liters consumed in 2024, reduced or replenished 14% (3.9 billion liters). Washwell saved 6.0 billion liters since 2016 (WRI-validated). Nearly all Tier 1 and Tier 2 sites mapped for water risk. GWICA water innovation centre with Arvind eliminates freshwater use in denim mills. ZDHC member with increasing replenishment targets.

Targets & Commitments: How does Gap score?

Gap has SBTi-validated near-term targets: 90% Scope 1&2 reduction by 2030 (1.5°C-aligned) and 30–32.5% Scope 3 reduction by 2030. However, its net-zero commitment was removed from SBTi dashboard in March 2024 for missing 2050 target deadline. The company downgraded Scope 3 from 1.5°C to 'well-below 2°C' scenario, signalling reduced ambition.

Transparency & Accountability: How does Gap score?

Gap has published 20 consecutive annual sustainability reports aligned to GRI, SASB, and TCFD. CDP disclosures, S&P Global DJSI inclusion (11 consecutive years), UN Global Compact signatory. Data assurance statements and factory lists published. However, no evidence of executive compensation linked to sustainability targets; SBTi net-zero removal raises governance follow-through questions.

Controversies & Red Flags: How does Gap score?

No major environmental controversies, greenwashing lawsuits, or regulatory fines identified. Good On You rates as 'It's a Start,' citing unsustainable fast-fashion model. SBTi net-zero commitment removal is a process failure rather than environmental breach. No documented misalignment with climate policy found.

Gap Sustainability Score: 34/100

Recently scored: Next plc, Target Corporation, Rapanui Clothing, SHEIN

515 companies scored·22 score updates this week

Gap·Apparel (Fast Fashion)·San Francisco, California·Founded 1976·Last verified 31 May 2026

out of 100

Below expectationsPending Review

Gap Inc. operates a fast-fashion model with serious emissions backsliding: Scope 1&2 reductions fell from 77% (2022) to 74% (2024), and absolute emissions have risen recently despite long-term baseline improvements. Its SBTi net-zero commitment was removed for missing deadlines, and the company downgraded its Scope 3 ambition. Water and supply-chain engagement are competent; the core problem is that high-volume production cannot be reconciled with real climate progress.

No challenges currently filed

The calculation

Every score shows its working.

Same formula for every company. No curve. No private weighting.

SINK = (0.3 × Base + 0.7 × Performance) × Scale

Industry base impact

Apparel (Fast Fashion) sector ceiling.

15 / 100

Performance score

Sum of the 10 rubric questions, scored 0–10 each.

53 / 100

Raw score

Weighted average before scale penalty.

(0.3 × 15) + (0.7 × 53) = 41.6

Scale penalty

Multiplier based on absolute emissions volume — physics-first.

× 0.82

Final score

Rounded. Below expectations.

34 / 100

The ten questions

Where Gap is strong, and where it isn't.

Strongest on Controversies & Red Flags and Carbon Footprint — Operations (7/10, 6/10). Weakest on Emissions Trajectory and Nature & Biodiversity Impact (3/10, 4/10).

Where the evidence comes from

Every document used, listed.

16 sources used in this assessment. All publicly available. Each row shows which rubric questions it informed.

[1]Third-party verified

Gap Inc. Organisation Profile — DitchCarbon

Ongoing

Q1Q2

Every score shows its working.

Where Gap is strong, and where it isn't.

Every document used, listed.

Where Gap sits among apparel (fast fashion) peers.

Gap's score over time.

This score is not currently being contested.

Related companies worth a look.

We'll let you know when the score moves.

Which companies moved this week, and why.