Our net-zero goals are officially approved

Central Co-op has had its climate targets officially approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) - a major milestone in its commitment to becoming net-zero by 2040. This means the Society’s plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions has been independently checked and confirmed to be in line with the most ambitious global climate goals, including the target to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as outlined in the Paris Agreement.

This approval recognises the real and practical steps Central Co-op is taking to protect the planet - cutting emissions from its buildings, transport, supply chains and services, including its food stores and funeral homes. It also puts the Society among a growing group of forward-thinking businesses committed to tackling the climate crisis with science-led solutions.

As part of its plan, Central Co-op is aiming to reduce its direct emissions - like those from energy use in stores and funeral homes - by 44 per cent by 2030, and by 90 per cent by 2035, compared to 2022 levels. It’s also working hard to reduce indirect emissions from things like deliveries, customer travel and supplier operations, with a goal to cut these by 97 per cent by 2040. It will also completely remove deforestation from high-risk supply chains by the end of 2025. Any remaining emissions will be balanced out through trusted projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Paul Lockwood, Head of Sustainability and Net-Zero at Central Co-op, said: “This is a huge moment for us. Having our climate plan approved by global experts shows that we’re serious about reducing our environmental impact - and doing so in a way that’s fair, transparent and in line with our co-operative values.”

Central Co-op has already come a long way. Since 2010, it has cut its core carbon emissions by 80 per cent and been recognised with the Carbon Trust Triple Standard for its work on reducing carbon, water use and waste. It’s also been investing in renewable energy, installing solar panels at over 120 sites, including solar carports at its Wildwood store in Stafford and even a mini solar farm at its Shelton Lock store in Derby. Together, these have generated more than 8.4 million kWh of clean electricity, saving nearly £2 million in energy costs since 2022. By 2026, the Society expects to be over 25% powered by green energy, helped by a new wind power agreement launched in April.

Sustainability runs right through the Society. Central Co-op has worked with experts at Simply Sustainable to develop a best-in-class approach to land use and farming emissions, and has gone above and beyond by voluntarily including emissions from customer travel and cooking in its targets - something few businesses do. It’s all part of the Society’s aim to deliver a fair transition for colleagues, customers and communities.

From its investment in natural and woodland burial services via its funeral business, to tackling food waste and supporting local, sustainable suppliers through its shops, Central Co-op continues to take practical, long-term action rooted in its values as a co-operative.

This announcement comes at a fitting time: 2025 is the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, and Central Co-op’s work supports several UN Sustainable Development Goals, including climate action, clean energy and sustainable land use.

The validated targets are published on the SBTi website from the 19^th of June, and Central Co-op will report annually on progress. A set of clear key performance indicators underpins the strategy and will be regularly reviewed to ensure they remain aligned with the Society’s 2040 net-zero ambition. For further details, head to the centralcoop.co.uk/. Details on becoming a Member can be found at Members.coop.