Tesco commits to new net zero pledge
Tesco has set out a new commitment to become net zero across its value chain by 2050.
The supermarket said the pledge, which includes emissions generated by the products it sells and across its supply chains, is in line with the UN’s aspiration of keeping global warming below 1.5C.
Tesco has also committed to a new group-wide net zero target of 2035 for its own operations.
Activities to help reach the goal will include supporting all suppliers to establish a net zero ambition with science based targets, and piloting new innovations with suppliers to reduce emissions from agriculture. The supermarket will also cut emissions associated with customers’ diets, including increasing the sales of plant-based products, and advocate for collaborative industry action and support from the Government
Tesco said emissions from its products and supply chain make up more than 90% of its total emissions footprint. While 100 of Tesco’s largest suppliers have already reduced manufacturing emissions by 20%, Tesco has now written to all suppliers to ask for their support in the transition to a low carbon economy.
Tesco group chief executive Ken Murphy said: “In this critical year for tackling climate change, it’s right that we set out this ambitious commitment to cut emissions across our entire value chain. We don’t yet have all the answers and we’ll need support from our suppliers and wider society to meet our targets, but it’s vital we take action now.
“Building on the good progress we’ve made in cutting emissions in our own operations, we’re also setting out a group-wide net zero target of 2035. These new commitments will bring an unprecedented level of transparency to our emissions footprint and will allow us to identify and tackle those areas where urgent transformational change is needed.”
