Top Ten Actions for the Retail Sector

1. Install sub-metering across stores – each store is different and will in turn use energy differently. Sub metering is important for pinpointing ways to reduce energy consumption.

2. Measure and monitor carbon emissions from all operations and supply chain. Use this to underpin science-based targets for reducing emissions.

3. Switch to using 100% renewable energy for all operations.

4. Include energy management as a requirement in service level agreements for maintaining store equipment - like refrigeration in food retail stores.

https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/better-business-guide-to-energy-saving

5. Ensure that lighting throughout the premise is not increasing emissions. For example, switch from traditional lightbulbs to LED lightbulbs, use lower level lighting for non-sales occupancy, use occupancy-based lighting for non-sales areas.

https://www.carbontrust.com/resources/better-business-guide-to-energy-saving

6. Procure responsibly: Choose products and services with low whole lifecycle climate and ecological impacts. Monitor performance throughout by including climate KPIs in contracts

7. Reduce emissions linked with products – for example, increase the useful life of clothing and reduce its associated carbon footprint. Eliminate excessive packaging and use recyclable materials.

8. Use Buying Guides for Durability and Repair to procure more resource efficient products (electrics and white goods). Introduce a product repair scheme to reduce waste associated with products. If that’s not possible, give customers information to allow DIY repair of products.

9. Reduce carbon emissions associated with shipping and delivery of products. Manage store inventory to reduce shipping of products from manufacturers. Partner with other retailers to maximise efficient use of delivery services. Establish a network of convenient pickup points for customers, switch fleets to electric vehicles.

10. Encourage climate positive behaviour amongst your customer base. Retailers are in a unique position to influence their customer base by promoting positive climate action. For example, give top tips for cutting carbon emissions at home or suggest local climate action groups that customers can support. Provide incentives for items that could be repurposed. Make the more sustainable option cheaper than the alternative.

Framework for the Retail sector

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Business Climate Guidance Case Study: Tesco
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Climate Action in Your Borough
Explore local support to help your business take climate action.

Top Ten Actions for the Retail Sector

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Related Resources

Business Climate Guidance Case Study: Tesco

Framework: Retail

Climate Action in Your Borough