Operational carbon

By 2020, we'll have reduced our operational carbon emissions by 30 per cent absolute and 65 per cent relative, compared with 2005* (this is part of our broader target of an absolute carbon reduction of 50 per cent by 2030).

Climate change is real, is happening now, and the overwhelming body of scientific evidence points to increased volatility in weather patterns in the coming years.

The challenge is not just to comply with increased regulation of greenhouse gas emissions, but also to decarbonise the economy and adapt our business practices accordingly. Coupled with this are increased energy prices. It is essential to seek to build greater resilience through a gradual shift away from reliance on the national grid, towards greater use of on-site and decentralised approaches, including community energy schemes. This will secure energy needs for the long term.

Our progress so far

• 6% reduction in absolute energy related carbon since 2007/08 (despite 25% increase in space)
• 82 in Carbon Disclosure Project (up from 43) with ‘B’ rating
• Host of largest multi-roof solar array in Europe; 16MW of solar panels
• First company to use geo-exchange technology as an alternative energy source

*'Absolute' emissions reduction targets are defined by the GHG Protocol as goals to 'reduce absolute emissions over time'. Relative emissions reduction targets are defined as goals to 'reduce the ratio of emissions relative to a business metric over time'. In the case of supermarkets, the relative is defined as relative to square footage of stores.