Sainsbury’s has been crowned the UK’s greenest supermarket, producing the lowest emissions some 12 times better than the worst offenders.
According to new research from Engaged Tracking, Sainsbury’s emits the lowest number of greenhouse gases (GHG) out of the UK’s largest grocers, followed closely by its larger rival Tesco.
Iceland came last, producing an intensity of emmisons 34 per cent higher than the average supermarket, while discounters Aldi and Lidl made up the next two bottom spots.
Despite being an online-only retailer Ocado came sixth, while Waitrose was the only grocer in the top four not to be part of the Big 4.
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The study ranked grocers in terms of emissions across three “scopes” in which GHGs are categorised.
Scopes one and two are direct emissions from sources like company vehicles and electricity purchases, while scope three cover non-direct pollutants like waste disposal and employee.
“In implementing eco-friendly policies – driven by a desire to attract customers and investors who increasingly appreciate and demand them – companies like Sainsbury’s are changing the game,” Engaged Tracking chief executive Sam Gill said.
“Sainsbury’s has recognised that as a food retailer its supply chain depends on the health of the natural environment.
“But other supermarkets are not grasping this fast enough.
“Iceland, Aldi and Lidl make big claims about creating value for customers but they are not doing enough to protect their customers’ environment.”
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