Member Article

M&S achieve “carbon neutral” status

Marks and Spencer are the first retailer to achieve “carbon neutral” status, after implementing a major sustainability plan across the whole business.

Through slashing emissions and recycling 100% of all waste, the Plan A strategy has contributed £105 million to the business. According to the 2012 How We Do Business report, this represents a £35 million rise on last years’ figures.

M&S has set itself 180 environmental, social and economic targets to achieve by 2015, as part of plans to become the world’s most sustainable retailer. So far 138 have been achieved and a further 30 are on track.

The retailer started Plan A five years ago, and achieved its aim to reduce emissions for all premises and vehicles to reduce emissions by 22%, purchasing carbon offsets to balance out the raminder.

Commenting on the announcement, Marc Bolland chief executive of M&S said: “I am proud of what we’ve achieved, w e now have a better, greener and more ethical Marks & Spencer.

M&S has reduced annual carbon dioxide emissions by 158,000 tonnes since 2006/07, despite an 18 per cent growth in floor footage, and improved energy efficiency across stores, offices and warehouses by 28 per cent per square foot.

They also claim to be using mess carrier bags, saving 1.7 billion over the past five years. 30% of products sold in stores are also part of the Plan A programme,but by 2020 the firm wants all 3 billion of its products to have at least one sustainable characteristic.

Despite their achievements, six goals have not been achieved, and another six are “behind plan”. The firm has yet to ensure that all wood used in the business comes from Forest Stewardship Council sources, and the aim of reducing water usage by 20% was missed by 2%.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .