Co-op has become the first UK convenience retailer to have its net zero targets validated by the globally recognised Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The climate body has validated Co-op’s near-term and overall targets to become net zero across its own operations by 2035 and entire value chain by 2040.
It comes as the convenience retailer becomes one of the first companies in the UK to set science-based targets for its forest, land and agriculture (FLAG) emissions.
The targets include stretching commitments to reduce the absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its own operations by 66% and absolute Scope 3 emissions from energy and industrial sources by 58.8% by 2030 from a 2016 baseline year.
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Co-op has also committed to reduce absolute Scope 3 FLAG emissions by 42.4% by 2030, alongside a target of no deforestation across its primary deforestation-linked commodities by the end of 2025.
Since the retailer launched its Climate Plan in 2021, it has reduced its carbon footprint by 21% in Scope 3 emissions and has more than halved (59%) its Scope 1 and 2 emissions across its own operations.
The grocer said it has achieved this through investment in low-carbon technologies including reducing energy use, phasing in lower impact refrigerants, and reducing fuel use for transport, as well as action taken by Co-op and its suppliers to reduce the carbon intensity of key lines such as meat and dairy.
Co-op group CEO and government Net Zero Council co-chair Shirine Khoury-Haq said: “Reducing our impact on the planet is so important, which is why we are now building on the progress we have already made to date by setting ourselves challenging and robust targets.
“I’m delighted and proud that we are the first UK convenience retailer to have net-zero targets validated by the globally recognised body, SBTi. We are committed to maintaining the positive momentum we have already achieved in the decarbonisation of our supply chain.”
