Tesco’s commitment to net-zero targets has been officially validated, marking a significant achievement in sustainability efforts.
- The UK retailer aims for carbon neutrality in its operations by 2035 and across its value chain by 2050.
- Tesco’s six focal areas for emissions reduction are improving products, transport decarbonisation, store emissions reduction, sustainable consumption, waste elimination, and nature protection.
- Notable achievements include adopting renewable energy and launching electric heavy goods vehicles.
- Tesco plans to further reduce plastic waste by discontinuing certain products.
Tesco has been recognised for its comprehensive plan to achieve net-zero emissions, validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). This makes it one of the pioneers in retail to receive such validation, highlighting its leadership in climate responsibility.
The retailer has set ambitious goals to become carbon neutral within its own operations by 2035 and aims to extend this to its entire value chain by 2050. This aligns with the global efforts under the Paris Agreement to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The strategy encompasses six key areas: improving products, decarburising transport methods, reducing emissions from stores, supporting sustainable consumption, eliminating waste, and protecting nature. Tesco’s proactive approach places it at the forefront of environmental innovation, having first set a global net-zero target in 2009.
Among its green initiatives, Tesco has fully transitioned to renewable electricity and introduced the UK’s first commercial electric heavy goods vehicles. These efforts demonstrate a tangible shift in operational practices towards sustainability.
Tesco has also introduced changes to its product packaging by reducing plastic use, exemplified by the shift from traditional tray wrap packs to new, more eco-friendly ‘pillow packs’. Furthermore, the supermarket has announced its decision to cease the sale of six-pint own-brand milk bottles, in its ongoing mission to cut down on plastic waste.
Tesco’s validation by the global climate body underscores its significant contributions to achieving net-zero emissions.
