BRC unveils sustainability roadmap to hit net zero by 2040

Sixty-three major retailers including Morrisons, Ikea, Ocado, Boots and Missguided have all committed resources to deliver the plan and support the BRC.

The strategy outlines steps to decarbonise the retail industry and its supply chains with five key areas for action:

• Putting decarbonisation at the core of all business decision making 
• Reducing carbon emissions from shops and distribution centres
• Moving to net-zero logistics operations
• Increasing sustainably sourced products
• Helping customers and employees to live low carbon lifestyles

The overall aim is that by 2040 all products that consumers buy or rent will have minimal impact on the environment. 

The BRC also committed to exploring new innovations such as carbon-absorbing clothes or drone delivery to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “Climate change is a threat that none of us can afford to ignore. The BRC Climate Action Roadmap is a clear and decisive statement that the retail industry is ready to take on this challenge - to be part of the solution. By 2040, we want every UK customer to be able to make purchases – in-store and online – safe in the knowledge that they are not contributing to global heating.

“Never before has an entire industry been so ambitious in tackling climate change. Retail is the critical gateway between vast international supply chains and every one of us as citizens. We have a fantastic opportunity to make a real global difference if we can all work collectively.”

WWF head of climate change Gareth Redmond-King added:  “Business has a huge role to play in tackling the climate crisis – every business leader must decide urgently whether they are working towards a 1.5°C future and stand up and be counted.

“The BRC and its members are leading the way with this bold commitment. As customers, let’s show our support to the businesses making this commitment. And as citizens, let’s call on the government to work with the BRC and other corporate leaders to help deliver on it and bring other businesses along with them.”