Climate change

We can play a positive role in tackling climate change and help create a revolution in green consumption.

Our position

There is a growing consensus on the science of climate change. It is accepted by governments, businesses, NGOs and people around the world. To limit temperature increases this century to less that 2°C, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that we must reduce global carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2050. Other experts say that even more is needed.

This will require extraordinary commitment from us all. On its current trajectory the UK will not achieve its target to cut carbon emissions by at least 26% by 2020, let alone by 60% by 2050. The same is true of many other countries.

Critics argue that supermarkets are part of the problem because they often run energy-intensive stores selling food and other products that have travelled long distances. We believe that retailers can play a positive role in tackling climate change. Tesco has never ducked a challenge and we intend to lead the way by dramatically reducing our own carbon footprint and making low-carbon products accessible and affordable for consumers.

Our climate change plan focuses on ambition and action across the Tesco Group in three ways.

Setting an example

We measure and publish our direct carbon footprint so we can identify our biggest impacts and provide transparency within our business and to others about our progress. We have used the footprint to set challenging long-term targets to substantially reduce emissions from our buildings and distribution network.

Working with others

We are using our resources and relationships to work with others to achieve change. We have created a £100 million Sustainable Technology Fund to support large-scale carbon reduction technologies at our stores and distribution centres and in our supply chain worldwide. We have funded a new Sustainable Consumption Institute at the University of Manchester for five years with £25 million and will work with our suppliers to reduce carbon in our supply chain.

Empowering our customers

Engaging with customers is vital if we are to achieve the required carbon reductions. Consumers influence over 60% of UK carbon emissions directly and indirectly through their actions and their purchasing decisions. Tesco has started to label products with their carbon footprint, and help customers understand what it means. We will make low-carbon choices easy and affordable. We will encourage greater participation by incentivising climate-friendly actions.