// 20 retailers pledge to cut their carbon emissions
// Amazon, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer are among the group of 20 businesses
At least 20 retailers have pledged to cut their carbon emissions, ahead of the government’s target of net-zero by 2050.
The initiative, which is led by the BRC, means retailers could put carbon labels on their products declaring their environmental impact.
Amazon, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer are among a group of 20 businesses who have teamed up to develop a decarbonisation “road map” to help the industry meet its commitments.
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The declaration notes that retailers “are coming together through the BRC to develop a ground-breaking decarbonisation plan that will guide the industry on the steps necessary to accelerate progress to a Net Zero UK”.
Meanwhile, the retailers will also look at ways to cut down the environmental impact of home delivery services, which could include using more electric vehicles or drones.
“Climate change remains one of the biggest threats to the planet,” BRC head of sustainability policy Peter Andrews said.
“As we start to recover from the coronavirus pandemic there is no better opportunity to build a greener more sustainable world,” he said.
“Retailers, suppliers and customers all have their part to play in reducing their carbon emissions. This roadmap will be the first step towards a better, more sustainable future. It will then be up to wider industry and Government to implement the recommendations it set out.”
The declaration stated that the retailers are “uniquely placed” to help combat climate change.
They will focus on three areas: cutting emissions in shops and distribution centres, supply chains and helping customers to cut their own carbon footprint through the products they buy.
Other companies to have signed the pledge are Aldi, Costa Coffee, Boots, Ikea, Ocado and WHSmith.
The final plan will be published in the run up to the UN climate change conference in Glasgow in November next year.
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