Sainsbury’s ambitious new targets for decreasing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have been verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the global body that sets requirements for and approves emission reduction targets.
Back in 2020, the supermarket became one of the first UK retailers to set SBTi validated targets, having previously committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030.
But now it has now pledged a 68% reduction within the same time frame.
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Sainsbury’s scope 3 emission reduction target of 30% by 2030 has now been turned into two separate commitments.
Its operational target, which includes areas such as transport, energy use and manufacturing sites, has been increased to 50.4%, which it said highlighted its “commitment to tackling GHG emissions generated across its value chain”.
For the first time, following new requirements outlined by the SBTi, Sainsbury’s has also now validated targets which focus on scope 3 GHG emissions that come from forests, land and agriculture (FLAG), pledging to reduce its FLAG emissions by 36.4% by 2030.
The ambitious targets are part of its work towards becoming net zero in its own operations by 2035, and in its value chain by 2050, in line with its commitment to the Paris Agreement of limiting global warming by 1.5°C.
Sainsbury’s Director of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Ruth Cranston said: “Getting our updated targets validated by the SBTi is an important step forward.
The effects of climate change are already very real so it’s vital that we act now to reduce emissions and protect and restore nature to help us build a resilient future for all.
Our ambition to achieve net zero by 2050 will require transformation across our whole business, supply chains, as well as how we help our customers to make more informed choices. We can’t do this alone, so collaboration as an industry will be critical to drive the required change.”
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