Central England Co-op has been re-awarded three Carbon Trust Standards for reducing its carbon emissions, waste and water use for the fourth time.
The Society said it has showcased its ongoing commitment to the environment by achieving the standards, which are internationally recognised environmental certifications for reducing organisational water use and waste and carbon outputs.
This now means that the retailer sits alongside only a handful of retailers who hold all three of the standards, but the group said it is the only supermarket to have the prestigious accolade.
Central England Co-op said it secured the standards for a fourth time due to its long-term efforts to tackle sustainability across all of its business operations as part of its corporate responsibility strategy and its recent pledge to be carbon neutral by 2030.
These include:
• Reducing electricity usage by 51 per cent since 2010
• Reducing natural gas usage by 58 per cent since 2010
• Reducing refrigeration gas emissions by 69 per cent since 2010
• New stores use as little as 50 per cent less electricity
• Reducing food waste by 40 per cent during the past three years from 2,445 tonnes in 2017 to 1,085 tonnes in 2020
Hannah Gallimore, Corporate Responsibility Manager, said: “As a Co-operative, our ethical credentials mean we are brilliantly placed to do the right thing as a responsible business.
“We have reduced our carbon footprint by investing in green energy options and revolutionising energy efficiency across our Society.
“Everyone involved with Central England Co-operative is delighted to have been re-awarded by the Carbon Trust for a fourth time.”
The Carbon Trust Standard is among the world’s leading independent certifications of an organisation’s environmental sustainability achievements, verifying progress across important areas including carbon emissions, waste outputs, and water use.
It is accredited by the Carbon Trust, an international climate change consultancy.
The standards are awarded in recognition of best practice and real achievement in reducing environmental impact and improving resource management.
Luke Olly, Energy and Environment Lead at Central England Co-op, said: “As a responsible business, we are committed to minimising our impact on the environment and, as a result, our activities across all of the business operations have made considerable positive environmental impacts.
“The award of the three standards for a fourth time is a reflection of just how seriously we take our role as an environmentally responsible retailer and business as a whole.
“We, however, do not rest on our laurels and are continually working on new ideas and innovations to ensure we continue to make a real impact and difference when it comes to being a sustainable business.”
