Retailers have pledged a series of environmental commitments in an industry-wide initiative to combat climate change.
The plans are to be officially announced this evening at the British Retail Consortium’s (BRC) annual Parliamentary reception, attended by environment secretary Hilary Benn.
Commitments include measures such as: cutting emissions from buildings and vehicles, cutting water use and reducing waste sent to landfill, managing climate change risks, offering energy efficient products, reducing packaging and developing consistent carbon foot-printing of products.
“The pledges made today show that business success and environmental protection can go hand in hand,” said Environmental Secretary Hilary Benn.
Retailers have a uniquely close relationship with their customers, according to the BRC, which means they have a ‘particular opportunity and responsibility to engage and help’ them to be greener.
BRC director general Stephen Robertson said: “By agreeing industry-wide goals for the next five years, retail is ratchetting up its environmental commitments.
“We recognise we can make a real difference through our own operations and by supporting customers and staff in ways that suit their budget and lifestyles.”
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