Reducing our direct greenhouse gas emissions
By 2030, we aim to reduce emissions from our buildings, vehicles and machinery by 42% compared to 2021. In this way, we are contributing to the Paris climate agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 °C. We are doing this by measuring, reducing and, where necessary, offsetting our emissions.
How do we calculate our environmental impact?
Every day we work to minimise our impact on climate change, always with a focus on the long-term results. To achieve this, it is important to have a clear overview of our emissions. We monitor our greenhouse gas emissions (such as CO₂, methane and nitrous oxide) according to the three scopes of the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.
- Scope 1: direct emissions from our own activities, such as buildings, vehicles and installations
- Scope 2: emissions from the energy we purchase, such as electricity and heat
- Scope 3: emissions elsewhere in the chain, from suppliers and customers
CO₂eq emissions in scope 1 and 2 by Colruyt Group in financial year 2025/26
We have been tracking our emissions since 2008. Based on this data, we are taking targeted measures to reduce them step by step. In doing so, we follow three clear principles:
- Avoid emissions where possible
- Reduce emissions where possible
- Choose smart solutions with the lowest climate impact
Why have we set this objective?
Climate change is having a clear impact on our society and economy. That is why we want to actively reduce our CO₂ emissions and limit our impact on the climate. As a large company, we are taking our responsibility in this regard seriously. We are focusing first on the emissions we can control ourselves, such as those from our buildings, vehicles and facilities.
Our target was not chosen at random. It is based on the methodology of the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and has also been validated by them. This means that our approach is in line with what is needed to limit global warming to 1.5 °C, as agreed in the Paris Agreement. With a 42% reduction by 2030, we are following what science tells us is necessary to limit global warming.
- Zero-emission passenger transport: the full electrification of our vehicle fleet is leading to an immediate reduction in Scope 1 emissions. Our staff are using their cars less and less, and when they do, they are doing so in a less polluting way.
- Zero-emission freight transport: we are pioneers in making heavy goods transport more sustainable, with a focus on both battery-electric lorries and hydrogen.
- Many food stores are already using heat recovery. The residual heat from the refrigeration system is used for heating, and in many cases the transition to a fossil-fuel-free store is already underway.
- The use of heat pumps will also further reduce emissions from heating.
- We are continuing to renovate our retail portfolio, ensuring, amongst other things, good airtightness and insulation. This means a significant number of low-energy stores are added every year.
- The most sustainable energy is the energy you do not use. Read more here about our other target: to become 20% more energy-efficient by 2030 (compared to the 2021 financial year).
- On the one hand, we continue to invest in (the local generation of) greener energy (wind and solar). On the other hand, for the energy we purchase – as we do not produce everything ourselves – we prioritise green electricity contracts with locally generated energy from renewable sources as much as possible. In 2024, 97% of our electricity consumption came from renewable sources.
- Since 2017, our food stores have been switching to refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants such as propane. These have less impact on global warming than conventional alternatives. The transition will be completed by 2030 and will result in a significant reduction in emissions. Until then, we are using advanced leak detection and careful checks to ensure that there are as few leaks of synthetic refrigerants as possible.
- For refrigerated transport, Colruyt, Bio-Planet and Okay make maximum use of climate-friendly liquid ice containers, for both fresh and frozen products. At Collect&Go too, thanks to our newly developed cool box, we are making less and less use of traditional CO₂ refrigerated trolleys.
Our forestry project removes CO₂ from the air
As well as reducing our emissions, we also remove CO₂ from the air through afforestation. By combining both approaches, we aim to achieve net-zero emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2030 (see the chart below).
