Tesco’s 'ambitious' net zero targets validated

Tesco has outlined an 'ambitious' plan for emissions reduction across its own operations and value chain as it becomes one of the first retailers globally to have its net-zero science-based targets validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), the official body that validates climate targets.

Tesco’s targets include stretching interim commitments to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its own operations by 85% by 2030 from a 2015 baseline year, absolute Scope 3 emissions from energy and industrial sources by 55% by 2032 from a 2019 baseline year, and absolute Scope 3 emissions from FLAG emissions by 39% by 2032 from a 2019 baseline year. 

Tesco is also one of the first companies globally to have specific, SBTi-validated targets focused on greenhouse gas emissions originating from ‘forests, land and agriculture’.

The validated targets will see Tesco working towards its commitment to become carbon neutral across its own operations by 2035, and value chain by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement’s aim of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5C. 

The retailer has set out its emissions reduction priorities through its Planet agenda. Activity will be grouped across six areas: Improve Products; Decarbonise Transport; Reduce Store Emissions; Support Sustainable Consumption; Eliminate Waste; and Protect Nature. 

Activity are to include the scaling up of deforestation-free feed sources; further roll-out of agricultural innovations such as low carbon fertiliser; and the continued decarbonisation of Tesco’s store estate and transport networks. 

Ken Murphy, Tesco Group CEO said: “With the effects of climate change upon us, we’re committed to achieving our target of net zero by 2050. It will require us to transform the way we operate our business, from how we produce our products in partnership with suppliers, how we run our stores and transport network, and how we encourage our customers to make healthy and sustainable choices. 

“We’ve led the way on action on climate change, from adopting 100% renewable electricity across the whole Tesco group, to scaling innovations in our supply chains. We must work even harder, in collaboration with suppliers and business partners, to achieve our goals. These ambitious targets, validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative, now provide us with a clear roadmap of action over the next ten years and beyond.”   

Tesco has led the way on tackling climate change, becoming the first business globally to set a net zero target in 2009, and in 2017, the first FTSE 100 company to set science-based targets for both its own operations and its supply chain.