// Lidl sets out ambitious carbon reduction targets to decarbonise its own operations & supply chain
// Also pledges to reduce emissions from its own operations aligned to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2030
// Lidl will collaborate with suppliers to establish their own climate targets & strategic plans by 2026
Lidl has announced ambitious new climate targets that will see the discount grocer become carbon neutral by 2022.
As part of wider commitments made by parent company Schwarz Group, Lidl said it would aim to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its own operations, aligned to limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2030.
Also by 2030, Lidl will aim to reduce its operational emissions by 80 per cent – compared to 2019 – across all countries it operates in.
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To achieve this, Lidl said it would focus on cutting carbon emissions across its stores and distribution centres.
The installation of solar panels on all new stores, where permissible, and continued investment in the latest refrigeration and lighting technologies to improve overall energy efficiency were highlighted as some of the keys steps Lidl would take to achieve its goal.
The discounter also committed to operating 350 electric vehicle charging points at its stores by 2022, after it opened its 100th EV charging point earlier this year as part of a pledge to support customers’ journeys to lower their carbon impact.
Meanwhile, Lidl will oblige suppliers to commit to their own climate protection targets according to the methodology of the Science Based Targets initiative by 2026.
This will be delivered through a comprehensive supplier engagement and learning programme, including supporting farmers on Lidl GB’s Grassroots programme to conduct carbon footprints on their businesses and develop carbon reduction plans.
This builds on Lidl’s existing partnerships with suppliers to boost sustainability, such as its initiative with Wyke Farms to produce a supermarket-first carbon neutral cheddar.
Lidl also pledged to ban peat from its compost range from 2022, two years ahead of the UK government’s recently announced target, in efforts to support peatland restoration in the UK.
“With the UK hosting COP26 in November, this is a crucial year in the fight against climate change and we recognise our responsibility to reduce our emissions to help tackle this important issue,” Lidl GB chief executive Christian Härtnagel said.
“As part of the Schwarz Group, Lidl has a presence in 32 countries around the world and more than 310,000 employees globally.
“We’re therefore one of Europe’s largest retail businesses and through these ambitious targets we hope to make a significant contribution by not only rapidly decarbonising our own operations but also supporting our suppliers to do the same.
“As a discounter, it is ingrained in us to be constantly looking to maximise efficiency and reduce waste.
“Whether it’s how we heat and light our stores, or how we transport food from our suppliers to our warehouses, we are continuing to find ways to cut emissions across our business.”
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