Tesco Named Global Climate Change Leader

September 15, 2011

For the second consecutive year, Tesco was named one of the top retailers in the world by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its climate change efforts.

Activities that helped rank Tesco the fourth overall business in the global CDP list include the addition of three more zero-carbon stores, a zero-carbon training academy in Korea, and a new energy efficient distribution centre in China. By relocating distribution centers, reducing maximum fleet speed and introducing bigger [trucks], Tesco now emits 20 percent less carbon per case of goods delivered than in 2007. Since the last report, Tesco’s property portfolio has increased while emissions have continued to fall in the U.K., the retailer reported.

The CDP’s Global 500 report assesses companies for the business strategy, action on tackling carbon, and the quality and completeness of its carbon management and reporting.

Tesco has been making efforts to cut its carbon emissions since 2007, as part of its climate change strategy to become a zero carbon business by 2050. In addition to opening the world’s first zero-carbon supermarket, Tesco has carbon footprinted more than 1,000 products since 2008, currently the largest effort undertaken by any retailer. This is part of a commitment to reduce supply chain greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020.

“I’m delighted that this year’s CDP results recognize Tesco as a global leader on tackling climate change. By reducing our own emissions we are now saving more than £200 million ($316 million) annually on energy costs,” said David North, Tesco’s U.K. corporate affairs director. “But our strategy is about more than that. We want to help lead a revolution in green consumption among our customers and suppliers and will ourselves be a zero-carbon business by 2050.”

More than 350 suppliers in 10 countries have joined the retailer’s new online ‘Knowledge Hub,’ a place for suppliers to share carbon reduction experiences through a variety of seminars, discussion forums and educational visits.

Later this month, Tesco’s first set of ‘Greening the Supply Chain Awards’ will be presented, recognizing suppliers making solid progress in carbon reduction. The retailer is also currently running five product trials to identify hot spots for carbon reduction.

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Keywords: carbon emissions, climate change

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