Our Ten-Point Climate Plan
It cannot be overstated: climate change is real and life-threatening. The science is clear and indisputable. Climate is already affecting the foods we all rely on and the people who produce them. In successive years our members have voted for us to formally recognise the climate emergency then accelerate our response. This ten-point plan sets out how we intend to do so.
A word from Jo Whitfield, Chief Executive, Co-op Food
“We are facing monumental climate change. We must recognise that we are in part responsible and that we have to do more and quicker. Let's be bold and take collective action to tackle climate change.”
Our Ten-Point Climate Plan
These are the 10 points in our plan, each of which will help us achieve our goal. For even more information please download the full plan.
1: Make long-term changes to how we do business
We will be a Net Zero business by 2040, for our operations and our products.
2: Set clear short-term milestones
By 2025 we will reduce the impact of our operations by 50% and our products by 11%.
3: Rapidly reduce carbon from our operations and products
We will take clear, practical steps to reduce carbon from running our business and the products we sell.
4: Compensate for our climate impact
Our operations will be carbon neutral from 2021 and own brand products by 2025.
5: Make lower carbon choices easier for customers
We will support our customers and members to make lower carbon choices.
6: Direct our finance to reducing carbon
This includes carbon offsets and aligning pension funds to low carbon investments.
7: Help suppliers on the front line of the climate crisis
We will support our producers (including Fairtrade) to adapt to climate change realities and to become more climate resilient.
8: Campaign for climate action
We will lobby and advocate with Government to press for the necessary systemic change.
9: Co-operate for change at scale
We will actively work together across sectors, sharing plans and solutions, seeking to align rather than compete.
10: Make our climate plan a priority
The pay of our Food CEO will be linked to achieving our carbon reduction targets.
Together we can make a difference to climate change
We all hope world leaders agree to tackle climate change at the upcoming COP26 event. Let’s use the power of community now to make a difference. Co-op26 is the climate event for everyone. Find out how you can get involved through our partnership with Count Us In and pledge to take practical steps such as writing to an MP or eating more plants or reducing your food waste. Because what you do counts.
Climate justice for people and planet
We campaign for climate justice to advocate for our global communities on the front line of the climate crisis. To find out more, please read our Climate Justice for People and Planet report below.
