Tesco’s carbon emissions plummet by 13% in one year

Supermarket giant Tesco is making strong progress towards sustainability, according to its annual report released today.

The total carbon footprint of its global operations was 3.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over 2017/2018, a reduction of 13 percent on the previous year, and a full 26 percent on 2015.

The supermarket chain committed itself last year to new science-based targets to reduce emissions in line with the goals of the Paris climate agreement, with the ultimate aim of becoming a zero-carbon business by 2050.

The data shows that it is currently on course to meet its first milestone of reducing emissions by 35 percent by 2020 compared to its 2015 baseline.

In addition, the supermarket has ambitious goals to source 65 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2020, and 100 percent by 2030.

On this marker, its main UK operations are making strong headway, having reached 55 percent renewable power over the past year.

Lindsey Pownall, Tesco’s Corporate Responsibility Committee Chair, commented: “It is recognised that we need to work together across society to build a truly sustainable future and the business fully supports global efforts to build this future, including the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris climate agreement.”

“The new targets ensure that our supply chain and operations support (the agreement) to limit global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees Celsius this century, as well as our long-term ambition to become a zero-carbon business.”

The report also details Tesco’s strong growth, having brought in £51 billion in sales in the past year, across 6,800 stores worldwide.

However, its continued dominance of the UK retail market, estimated to be 25 percent, could be threatened by the recent news that two of its main rivals, Sainsbury’s and ASDA, are planning to merge.

 

Photo Credit: i-Images Picture Agency