This fan-favourite carbon neutral running shoe is helping Brooks down a science backed path to net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Our work towards a cleaner planet
We all love that sweet, sweet oxygen we breathe on the run, so we owe it to the planet to minimise the emissions we produce. At Brooks, they believe climate change demands urgent and universal action. Brooks are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040 — ten years ahead of the goal set by The Paris Agreement.
To achieve this ambitious goal, Brooks will reduce their carbon emissions by converting materials in our product to recycled alternatives, using low impact dyeing processes, and sourcing materials and our product from factories that use renewable energy. They then compensate for the emissions they have not yet reduced by purchasing carbon offsets. As they move along this path, Brooks recognise they will continue to emit carbon emissions and they hold ourselves responsible to address this impact.
Impact of the Ghost 14
The Ghost 14 is Brooks’ first carbon neutral product. The carbon emissions of the Ghost 14 are 9.24 kg CO₂e. To understand this impact, they performed a life cycle impact assessment utilising the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology, the current standard of the European Commission. The carbon impact includes production of materials, assembly of product, packaging and distribution, and end-of-life of the Ghost 14. Loved by runners for its smooth ride, the Ghost is all about balance, but what makes the Ghost 14 special is its even lighter environmental footprint. Brooks’ efforts to make the Ghost 14 carbon neutral started with reducing its carbon emissions. Almost all upper textiles have now been converted to contain a minimum of 30% recycled polyester, and many are 100% recycled polyester — including the sock liner top cloth, tongue lining, toe box reinforcement, and more. They then compensate for the remaining carbon emissions they have not yet been able to reduce with the purchase of carbon offsets to make an immediate impact to help address climate change.
So what are carbon offsets?
Carbon offsets come from projects that avoid, remove, or reduce carbon from the atmosphere through actions like renewable energy investments, reduction of our reliance on fossil fuel energy, new forest growth, and land use change.
Brooks will purchase carbon offsets from projects that meet strict criteria for making a meaningful difference in slowing climate change. Their approach to ensure quality includes purchasing offsets that meet the requirements of voluntary carbon market standards (VERA, Gold Standard, and others). They will compensate the carbon emissions of the Ghost 14 by purchasing enough high-quality, additional, permanent, quantifiable, verifiable, and socially-beneficial offsets. Their partners undertake additional due diligence beyond these standards to manage potential risks and maintain quality. Additionally, they prioritise projects that align with climate science, and lead to clear social and environmental co-benefits.
Here’s how it works:
Think of a set of scales. First, add a pair of Ghosts to one of the scales. That pair represents all carbon emissions from a Ghost 14: materials, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and end-of-life. Then, start to tip the scale by reducing carbon emissions. For example, they focus on converting traditional materials to recycled alternatives that have lower carbon emissions. Finally, they balance the scale with carbon offsets.
Brooks have started with their highest-volume style, the Ghost 14, to make a meaningful difference to address climate change now. This commitment is ongoing, so when the Ghost 15, 16, and beyond hit stores, they will continue to make the Ghost a carbon neutral shoe through carbon offsets and efforts to reduce our emissions.
Get the Ghost 14
Are you looking for more miles, but with less impact? The Ghost 14 offers up a more personalised fit, better transitions, and scientific softness. Run responsibly in Brooks’ first carbon neutral shoe. Shop the men’s Ghost 14 and women’s Ghost 14 now!
