Tesco Climbs On The 100% Renewable Energy Bandwagon

Every Little Bit Of Renewable Energy Helps – Image: Tesco

Retailing giant Tesco has committed to powering its stores and distribution centre operations with 100% renewable energy by 2030.

The company has also set new carbon reduction targets based on 2015 levels of 35% by 2020, 60% by 2025 and 100% by 2050. Emissions from Tesco’s stores and distribution centres represent more than 85% of its direct carbon footprint.

In Thailand, the company spent £8 million in on-site solar electricity generation in 2016, with more in the works. During this year, UK and Ireland operations will switch to 100% renewable electricity, supported by renewable certificates. 

Tesco has set an interim milestone of 65% renewable electricity by 2020.

“As a food retailer, our supply chain and long-term business success depend on the health of the natural environment,” said Kené Umeasiegbu, the company’s Head of Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture.

“As citizens and members of the community, our customers and colleagues expect Tesco to play its part in caring for the planet. So today we update our goals by publishing tougher climate change targets for our stores and distribution centres (DCs).”

Tesco has also announced it has joined the RE100, which consists of some of the world’s most influential companies. 93 firms have joined the collaborative initiative so far, including IKEA, Apple, Bloomberg, eBay, GM and Google.

Tesco says it is also making inroads in other areas related to sustainability.

In 2013/14, the company’s direct water consumption was 32.9 million m³; which dropped to 23.5 million m³ in 2016/17.

Waste has also been a focus, improving from 86% being recycled, reused or converted to energy in 2013/14 to 93% in 2016/17.

The company states it is also working with suppliers and encouraging them to reduce their carbon footprint.

“Our commitment demonstrates our support for the Paris Climate Agreement and UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. These international agreements represent the strongest hope that we can avoid dangerous climate change and create a sustainable future,” said Mr. Umeasiegbu.

Originating with a single market stall in 1919, the company now has more than 6,800 stores around the world (but none in Australia – yet). Tesco has 460,000 workers, which it prefers to call “colleagues”.