“By 2040, we want every UK customer to be able to make purchases - in store and online - safe in the knowledge that they are not contributing to global heating.” - BRC CEO Helen Dickinson.
The UK retail industry has announced a new objective, aiming to release net zero carbon emissions by 2040, and having shops and warehouses running of net zero electricity by 2030.
‘Net zero emissions’ means reaching an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions entering the atmosphere and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere.
After first announcing their Climate Action Roadmap in July, the UK trade body, the British Retail Consortium (BRC), revealed their new net zero carbon emissions goal earlier week
Their roadmap was created with assistance from of 20 leading retailers and now 63 retailers have committed to reaching its targets.
The Climate Action Roadmap is made up of five action areas:
- Putting decarbonisation at the core of all business decision making
- Reducing carbon emissions from shops and distribution centres
- Moving to net zero logistics operations
- Increasing sustainably sourced products
- Helping customers and employees to live low carbon lifestyles.
The BRC thinks the UK can be a “global leader” in the shift to a zero-carbon world, but it’s essential the retail industry and government work together if they are to achieve it.
“Climate change is a threat that none of us can afford to ignore. The BRC Climate Action Roadmap is a clear and decisive statement that the retail industry is ready to take on this challenge - to be part of the solution,” BRC CEO Helen Dickinson said.
“Never before has an entire industry been so ambitious in tackling climate change. Retail is the critical gateway between vast international supply chains and every one of us as citizens. We have a fantastic opportunity to make a real global difference if we can all work collectively.”
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