Retailers make ‘significant progress’ to cut carbon emissions

Nearly 30 retailers – including Morrisons, Kingfisher, Sainsbury’s and most recently New Look and Missguided – signed up to the initiative to tackle global challenges highlighted by the UN including modern slavery, sustainable economic growth and climate change.

Carbon emissions reduced 36%, surpassing the 2020 target of 25%, the BRC said.

In relation to shopfloor space, carbon emissions from stores and energy-related carbon emissions from store deliveries were down 67% and 47% respectively.

John Lewis achieved a 70% reduction in 2018 carbon intensity since 2010 – 4% better than last year. Sainsbury’s achieved its goal of cutting carbon emissions by 35% since 2005, a year earlier than its original 2020 target.

BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson said: “We are facing a climate emergency; it is ever more important for businesses to unite to tackle these global challenges. While we can see significant progress being made, we should not underestimate the scale of the challenge before us.

“The public want to know that the food they eat, the clothes they wear and the goods they buy are ethically made and responsibly sourced. Better Retail Better World brings together retailers to collaboratively play their part in creating a sustainable future.”

Missguided chief executive Nitin Passi said: “Collaboration between retailers to deliver on UN Sustainable Development Goals and address the challenges our industry faces in sustainability, ethical supply chains and workers’ rights is more than just vital – it’s the only way to bring real, lasting change.”