Achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2040, with 50% reduction by 2030, and work with our top suppliers, representing 25% of total procurement spend (in rand), to set their own reduction targets.
Climate change will have far-reaching impacts on our value chain, and presents both physical and transition risks to our business. We know that, in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Group and its operations, climate change adaptation and mitigation are absolutely necessary.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in order to limit global warming to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels and avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, the world must halve CO2 emissions by around 2030, and reach net zero CO2 emissions by mid-century.
Recognising the importance of keeping global warming limited to 1.5 °C, we have adopted a science-based target for our direct operations, and have committed to working with our suppliers to set their own reduction targets.
We will continue on our low-carbon transition journey, implementing energy-efficiency initiatives in our direct operations, increasing renewable energy sourced, and transitioning our fleet of delivery vehicles to being electric and/or employing more energy-efficient technologies.
The electricity-efficiency gains to be achieved in our direct operations are close to being maximised using the technology available, as we have made significant investments therein since 2007, including rolling out the green stores model, and installing online metering, fridge doors, and LED lighting in stores.
In order to increase our fleet of energy-efficient and electric vehicles, road and transport infrastructure needs to be put in place, and relevant technology needs to become more widely available at a reasonable cost.
Reducing our Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions, particularly in South Africa, is dependent on our ability to source renewable energy, and on whether load-shedding continues into the foreseeable future.
Percentage change in Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions
2019 Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions: 536 562 tonnes of CO2e
Energy and Climate Change
More information on our performance against this goal can be found in our annual Good Business Journey Report.
