What's Happening?
The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has released a report indicating that carbon emissions from the UK retail industry are 11% higher than when the sector launched its flagship strategy to achieve net-zero emissions. The report highlights that estimated
emissions for 2024 were 331 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, up from 298 million tonnes in 2019. This increase is attributed to improved data quality rather than a significant rise in actual emissions. Despite the strategy's mixed results, the report emphasizes the need for enhanced collaboration across the retail value chain to address the climate emergency. The BRC's Climate Action Roadmap, launched in 2020, aimed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, but progress has been hindered by systemic challenges such as policy uncertainty and supply chain complexity.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore the challenges faced by the retail industry in meeting its net-zero targets, highlighting the importance of accurate emissions tracking and collaborative efforts. The report suggests that while individual retailers have made strides in establishing emissions baselines and reporting, the broader sector's progress is limited by factors beyond direct control. This situation calls for increased cooperation among retailers to influence global suppliers and address indirect emissions, which constitute a significant portion of the industry's climate footprint. The report serves as a wake-up call for the industry to transition from ambition to action, emphasizing the urgency of addressing the climate emergency.
What's Next?
The BRC report suggests that the retail industry must enhance collaboration to influence suppliers and improve carbon reporting. With over 93% of emissions falling outside direct control, the sector's progress hinges on collective action. The report calls for retailers to work together to standardize supplier data requests and share information in a non-competitive environment. This approach is particularly vital for smaller retailers who struggle to drive change independently. The BRC is willing to act as a catalyst for this work, providing additional services for footprinting and progress tracking.
