Tesco, Asda and Morrisons have been accredited by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) for launching a variety of industry leading sustainability initiatives.
The retailers gained recognition as part of the retail trade association’s Climate Action Roadmap Showcase, which aims to highlight the industry’s commitment to sustainability.
The event covered five different areas of carbon emission reduction – including supply chains, logistics, properties, reducing waste and changing consumer behaviour.
Leading UK retailer Tesco was recognised for its partnership with food sharing social enterprise Olio, as the platform helped to redistribute 4,500 tonnes of unsold food and reducing food waste in the process.
Big 4 grocer Asda, who implemented new biogas trucks earlier this year that were designed to remove 50,000 tonnes of CO2 from the supermarket’s operations, also received recognition.
Supermarket giant Morrisons was also commended for working with farmers to lower emissions in the production of its beef, pork and lamb as it looks to source exclusively from net zero farmers by 2030.
“The showcase has given us greater insight into the amazing work being done by the retail industry to cut carbon emissions. But we still have a long way to go,” said BRC chief executive Helen Dickinson.
She added: “While I wish to congratulate all our winning entries, this is only the beginning of what is needed.
“With retail responsible for 30% of all household greenhouse gas emissions, the responsibility on the industry, and our opportunity to make a difference are enormous.”
The news comes as Tesco is set to push up the price of its meal deal as of next week, marking the second time that the leading retailer has increased the cost of its lunchtime offering this year.
