Retailer also announces 2050 net zero target for its supply chain and products, in line with UN aspiration of keeping global warming below 1.5C◦
Tesco will set out detailed plans on how to cut emissions from all key emission sources
Meeting Tesco’s 2050 ambition will require action from the wider industry, society and government
Tesco has strengthened its ambition to tackle climate change by announcing a new group-wide, net-zero target of 2035 for its own operations. The new target will be applicable to its businesses in Slovakia as well as its operations in the UK, Ireland and the rest of Central Europe. The retailer has also committed to cut emissions from its products and supply chains to zero by 2050, in line with the UN’s aspiration of keeping global warming below 1.5C.
Often referred to as Scope 3 emissions, Tesco’s 2050 commitment will cover all emissions generated across its entire value chain, including the sourcing of raw materials and food production, where emissions are generated through agriculture and manufacturing; in the use of Tesco products in the consumer’s home, including food waste; and in peoples’ dietary choices, where a switch to more plant-based food is required to cut emissions.
Emissions from Tesco’s products and the supply chain make up more than 90% of the retailer’s total emissions footprint.
Over the next 12 months, Tesco will set out a clear plan for achieving its new targets, including detailed decarbonisation roadmaps for some of its key emissions areas.
Tesco CEO in Central Europe, Matt Simister said:
“In this critical year for tackling climate change, we need action as well as commitments. We are proud of the action we’ve already taken in Central Europe including switching to renewable electricity in all our stores, reducing emissions in the region by 67% since 2015 and reducing food waste by 65%. We're also keen to help customers switch to more sustainable diets, the focus for our new partnership with WWF.
These new commitments will bring an unprecedented level of transparency to our emissions footprint and will allow us to identify and tackle those areas where urgent transformational changes are needed.”
Notes to editors:
In 2009, Tesco became the first business globally to set an ambitious goal to become a zero-carbon business by 2050.
In 2017, it committed to science-based climate targets for its own operations on a 1.5-degree trajectory, in line with the more long-term aspiration of the Paris Agreement.
More detail on our food waste and emissions performance can be found at Sustainability - Tesco PLC and Little Helps Plan.
This article has been brought to you by Tesco.
