Sustainable E-Commerce: eBay’s Climate Transition Plan

With 134 million active buyers globally, eBay is a giant in e-commerce.

The company has released its Climate Transition Plan, a roadmap outlining how it will advance sustainable commerce and reach its climate goals.

eBay’s plan details milestones for the company on its journey towards supporting a low carbon circular economy and creating economic opportunities.

What are eBay’s sustainability goals?

eBay’s primary target is to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, which is validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

It aims to have a 90% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 27.5% reduction in Scope 3 emissions by 2030, from a 2019 base year.

As of 2024, the company achieved its Scope 1 and 2 goals, with a 92% reduction and achieved a 21% reduction in Scope 3 emissions.

eBay has also achieved its 2025 target of using renewable energy to support all of its own operations.

Renée Morin, Chief Sustainability Officer at eBay, says: “Creating a more sustainable future has always been at the heart of who we are and today’s sustainability remains central to our success.

“We see the impacts of climate change as not just a responsibility, but as an opportunity to continue evolving in ways that create lasting value for people and the planet.

“eBay’s Climate Transition Plan is a comprehensive roadmap for how we will meet our climate-related commitments while strengthening the long-term resilience and competitiveness of our business.”

eBay’s plan of action

The Climate Transition Action Plan outlines how eBay plans to meet its net zero emissions goal by 2045.

The pathway is divided into four core elements:

• Decarbonising operations
• Decarbonising emissions from downstream transportation and distribution
• Decarbonising the remaining value chain
• Neutralising what remains

eBay’s strategic pathway includes its ambition to source renewable electricity and support the broader transition to a low-carbon energy system.

It also aims to reduce waste through recycling, e-waste and circularity programmes, including eliminating paper cups and sourcing organic food at its sites.

The company is collaborating with partners through its supply chain to help accelerate the shift to lower carbon logistics, with the aim of creating a global decarbonised shipping system.

Jamie Iannone, President and CEO of eBay, says: “At eBay, our mission is grounded in creating economic opportunity for all while charting a clear path toward a more sustainable future.

“Our Climate Transition Plan carries that belief forward, emphasising our commitment to lead with purpose and drive responsible growth.”

Supporting sellers and small businesses

On the journey towards net zero, eBay aims to make the shift to a low carbon economy inclusive, equitable and community-centred.

It is working on creating an inclusive circular economy through its re-commerce model, by connecting sellers and buyers through the resale of goods while reducing waste, conserving resources and lowering emissions.

As many of eBay’s sellers are small businesses, the company advocates for regulations that reduce barriers, increase access to economic opportunities and amplify the voices of small businesses.

As well as this, eBay continues to partner with the broader business community, with the aim of making significant progress on policy areas that are aligned with its climate strategy.

Renée says: “At eBay, we believe the future of ecommerce and the future of our planet are deeply connected.

“The journey ahead is ambitious, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to evaluate and mitigate climate risks, demonstrate climate leadership in the tech sector and help millions of people worldwide shop more sustainably.”