A-listers on climate change

A-listers on climate change

25 October 2017

We’ve been recognised as climate change leaders – making the prestigious CDP ‘A list’ for the fourth year in a row.

We're the first UK Food Retailer to achieve CDP's 'A list' for more than two consecutive years and this year's result puts us in the top 5% of companies tackling climate change in 2017. The climate change 'A list' has been produced at the request of 827 investors and thousands of companies have contributed by submitting annual disclosures to CDP for independent assessment.

"It is a brilliant achievement that Sainsbury's has been recognised in CDP's climate change 'A list' for the fourth year running. We're all really proud that we continue to be acknowledged as a leader in tackling climate change."

Paul Crewe
Head of Sustainability, Engineering, Energy & Environment

CDP's A rating recognises our recent actions to cut emissions, mitigate climate risks and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
This year we also responded to CDP's Forestry and Water disclosure, showing our commitment to environmental sustainability and transparency across our value chain. All our CDP disclosures are available to read on our website here.

8.2%

Reduction in absolute operational carbon emissions in 2016/17, compared to the previous year.

Decoupling emissions from growth

The A rating follows our reduction in absolute operational carbon emissions of 8.2% since 2015/16.

We're especially proud that our recent performance shows a 'decoupling' of emissions from growth. For example, we're now using 11.6% less electricity than we did in 2005, despite growing our operations by 54.2%.

We will continue to accelerate the shift to operating as a low carbon business through the low carbon tech we use at stores and depots, our roll out of LED lighting, and the liquid natural gas and liquid and biomethane we use in our dual-fuel vehicle fleet.

Committed to cutting carbon

Our A-list status reflects our commitment on carbon emissions: a pledge to reduce our operational carbon by 30% in absolute terms, and 65% in relative terms, compared to 2005/06.