// Sainsbury’s pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
// The grocer revealed approved science-based targets
// It aims to achieve to net zero by 2040
Sainsbury’s has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions with science-based targets in its operations and across the supply chain, to achieve net zero by 2040.
The grocer said it will work with a number of suppliers on developing and meeting their own Scope 1 and 2 targets, including through supplier engagement programmes with CDP and the Higg Index.
The Science Based Targets initiative has approved Sainsbury’s science-based target for Scopes 1, 2 and 3.
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Scope 1 and 2 includes the reduction of GHG emissions from Sainsbury’s own operations by 2040 in a bid to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Sainsbury’s worked with the Carbon Trust to define an ambitious Scope 3 target which requires the reduction of absolute GHG emissions by 30 per cent by 2030, to align to a well below two degrees Celsius scenario.
This includes reducing emissions from purchased goods and services sold, upstream transport and distribution and the direct use of sold products.
Over the past year, Sainsbury’s has installed its one millionth Aerofoil in its Battersea Park Local store, keeping fridges cool and aisles warmer and saving 15 per cent of energy.
In July, Sainsbury’s became the first UK supermarket to switch to lithium-ion pallet trucks.
Sainsbury’s Olney supermarket is the first store with a full refrigeration integrated heating and cooling system.
The strategies outlined to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions will see Sainsbury’s implement new initiatives within the refrigeration and lighting space such as LED technology, along with improving overall efficiency.
“We have a responsibility to our colleagues and the communities we serve to reduce the impact our business has on the environment and have been working hard to reduce our carbon emissions over the last 16 years,” Sainsbury’s chief executive Simon Roberts said.
“Setting bold science-based targets across our Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions strengthens our long-standing commitment to protecting the environment and tackling climate change.
“We are making significant progress on our road to net zero however we can’t get there on our own, to make a meaningful difference to climate change we need to collaborate with industry, work closely with our suppliers and engage our colleagues and customers.
“As part of our strategy, we are improving the overall energy efficiency of our existing stores and depots, investing in innovative technology to ensure our fridges are as efficient as possible, reducing refrigerant gas and continuing to look at zero carbon alternatives for the delivery of goods.
“We will also ensure that our new store designs are in line with the latest thinking to minimise energy consumption. We have one opportunity to get this right, so it is really important that we continue to be ambitious and innovate.”
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