Store groups including Asda, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Boots have committed to five broad climate goals: reducing the direct environmental impact of their businesses; managing their climate risks; helping customers and staff to reduce their impact; engaging in public policy debate and reporting achievements transparently and consistently.
The full raft of pledges will be unveiled at the British Retail Consortium’s Parliamentary reception this evening.
Specific targets include cutting both energy-related emissions from buildings and CO2 emissions from store deliveries by 15 per cent on 2005 levels by 2013. There are also targets of 50 per cent less waste to go to landfill by 2013 and a reduction of own-brand packaging.
BRC director-general Stephen Robertson said: “By agreeing industry-wide goals for the next five years, retail is ratcheting up its environmental commitments. We recognise we can make a difference through our own operations and by supporting customers and staff in ways that suit their budget and lifestyles.”
Some retailers have made separate commitments that surpass the targets set out by the BRC already. However, the BRC believes that a joint agenda will send out an important message to businesses, politicians and customers.
Retailers that have signed up to the commitments are:
Argos
Asda
Boots
Early Learning Centre
Homebase
John Lewis
Marks & Spencer
Mothercare
Next
Sainsbury’s
Somerfield
Tesco
The Body Shop
The Co-operative
Waitrose
Wickes
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