Aldi has achieved a significant milestone with the approval of its emissions reduction targets by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
- This approval aligns Aldi with other major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s in committing to science-based climate targets.
- Aldi South Group’s specific targets include a 52% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, setting a strong precedent within the retail sector.
- The company plans to reduce Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030 through collaboration with suppliers and enhanced logistics.
- These targets place Aldi at the forefront of international efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
In a significant development for the retail sector, Aldi has successfully secured approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its ambitious emissions reduction goals. This recognition places Aldi alongside key players such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and others, all of whom are working towards scientifically-validated climate targets. As part of the Aldi South Group, which encompasses Aldi UK, the company has committed to both near-term and long-term environmental objectives.
Notably, the Aldi South Group has delineated robust targets aimed at a 52% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by the year 2030, using a 2021 baseline. These categories primarily cover emissions from direct operations and energy use. Equally important is their pledge to curtail Scope 3 emissions, which include indirect emissions occurring in the value chain. By 2030, Aldi aims to reduce these by 25% from a base year of 2022, showcasing a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
Aldi has outlined a comprehensive plan to meet these ambitious targets. Key strategies involve enhancing store and logistics operations—the primary contributors to Scope 1 and 2 emissions. The retailer is also intensifying efforts to address Scope 3 emissions by partnering with suppliers to optimise on-farm practices and exploring upstream transportation decarbonisation opportunities. Such initiatives underscore Aldi’s commitment to embedding sustainability at every stage of its operations, both within the UK and internationally.
Liz Fox, Aldi UK’s national sustainability director, articulated the strategic imperatives underlying these commitments, stating: “We are always looking for new ways to minimise our carbon footprint and these revised targets show just how seriously we take our commitment to operating sustainably here in the UK and internationally. ” She emphasised the pivotal role Aldi’s international scale plays in driving substantial changes, further indicating the retailer’s ongoing efforts to address operational greenhouse gas emissions and enhance supply chain sustainability.
Aldi’s approved emission targets highlight its dedication to sustainability and its proactive role in the global fight against climate change.
