Lidl Aims For Net Zero By 2050

Lidl – one of Europe’s largest food retailers – has today outlined its commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050 based on new ambitious climate targets across its own operations and supply chain at an international level. This latest move sees the retailer further embed sustainable business practices as part of its international CSR strategy.

Joining forces to reduce emissions

By 2030, Lidl will reduce its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 70% from a 2019 baseline. Across all markets in which it operates, Lidl has already recorded a 52% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to 2019. In Great Britain, the discounter purchases 100%* of its electricity from renewable sources, is installing solar PVs on new stores and regional distribution centres (RDCs) and has begun transitioning diesel trucks in its delivery fleet to biogas-powered vehicles.

In addition, Lidl’s international net-zero ambition includes a target for Scope 3 which covers its value chain and products sold in store – where over 90% of the company's total emissions occur. By 2034, the company will reduce its absolute Scope 3 agriculture, forestry, and other land use (FLAG) greenhouse gas emissions by 42.4% from a 2022 baseline year. Lidl is also committing to reducing 35% of its absolute Scope 3 energy and industry sector (non-FLAG) greenhouse gas emissions by 2034 from a 2022 baseline year1.

As it works towards net-zero, Lidl will continue to work collaboratively with its suppliers. The company is making progress on its previous commitment for its strategic suppliers responsible for 75% of product-related Scope 3 emissions to have climate targets in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) by 2026.

Lidl GB recently demonstrated action in this area within a product category that has the highest CO2 footprint. One of its key beef suppliers, Dunbia, set an ambitious target to reduce Scope 3 emissions intensity, including on-farm emissions, by 28% per tonne of finished product by 2030. Alongside this, the retailer has launched its Sustainable Beef Group that supports farmers transitioning to more sustainable practices, financially rewarding those who achieve a reduction in carbon intensity, alongside adopting regenerative farming techniques to improve grazing management, biodiversity, and soil and water quality parameters that are unique to each farm.

Lidl GB has also partnered with Manufacture 2030, a leading supplier engagement and carbon reduction platform, and Mondra, a prominent product footprinting and supply chain decarbonisation platform, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at different stages of the supply chain. Both companies are supporting Lidl’s suppliers in improving Scope 3 data collection, so that they can work with the retailer to reduce emissions.

Ryan McDonnell, CEO at Lidl GB, said: "Tackling climate change is a huge priority for us at Lidl; our commitment to achieving net-zero through our new quantified targets demonstrates the scale of our ambition. We know that collaboration will be central to our aims - from engaging customers on our progress to working closely with suppliers to develop products more sustainably. We’re excited for the journey ahead and are absolutely clear on our mission to deliver the most sustainable product range at the best possible price for shoppers."

Science Based Targets: committed to science

The SBTi is a global initiative that supports companies in setting science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the latest climate science. The companies of Schwarz Group joined the Science Based Targets initiative back in 2020 to help meet the 1.5-degree target of the Paris Climate Agreement. As part of this, Lidl has formulated its own climate strategy with additional targets. Lidl takes responsibility and contributes to achieving the Paris Climate Agreement goals as part of its international CSR strategy.

Detailed information about Lidl GB measures can be found here: https://corporate.lidl.co.uk/sustainability

[1] In each case compared to 2022

*With the exception of supply contracts that cannot be influenced by Lidl. For example, individual rental properties with electricity supply commitments.

Source : Lidl

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