Reducing CO2 emissions: how do we do this?

With our targets for reduced greenhouse gas emissions, we contribute to the Paris climate agreement to limit global temperature rise to no more than 1.5 °C. We are proud of what we have already achieved and remain committed to working together to make a positive difference. Find out the essence of our reduction plan, from analysis and reduction to capture.

This initiative contributes to our objectives regarding

Less greenhouse gas emissions

Updated on 25/07/2023

1. Analysing CO2 emissions

Every day, we work to minimise our impact on climate change, always with an eye on long-term results. To achieve this, we need to have a good overview of both our emissions and our approach.

We monitor our greenhouse gas emissions (such as CO2, methane and nitrous oxide) according to three scopes defined by the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.

Step 1: ANALYSIS - monitoring our CO2 emissions

Monitoring of CO2 emissions and formulating concrete objectives

Scope 1

The direct emissions caused by our own building-, transport- and production-related activities.

Scope 2

The indirect emissions released when generating the energy we purchase.

Scope 3

The indirect emissions – linked to our activities – that occur in the value chain, both at our suppliers and customers.

Colruyt Group drew up a CO2 balance sheet for the first time in 2008. The CO2 reduction projects were launched in 2011-2015. Initially, we focused on greening our electricity and reducing emissions caused by cooling and mobility, heating was added later.

We stick to our basic principles in this

Avoiding emissions
Reducing emissions
Finding solutions with the smallest impact on climate change

83,938 tonnes of CO2eq

emissions in scope 1 and 2 by Colruyt Group in 2022

2. Reducing CO2 emissions

Thanks to the projects and initiatives of our reduction programme, we have already achieved excellent results. Between 2008 and 2020, we reduced our direct greenhouse gas emissions by more than 40 %, in proportion to our turnover (scope 1 and 2). To continue our efforts in a credible way, we formulated new ambitious targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This validation confirms that our ambitions contribute to the Paris climate agreement to limit global temperature rise to no more than 1.5°C.

Step 2 - REDUCTION - reducing our CO2 emissions

Realising projects to reduce direct CO2 emissions

By 2030, we will emit 42 % less direct greenhouse gases (in absolute values) compared to 2021.
By 2027, 77 % of our suppliers (according to purchasing figure) will have science-based climate targets.
By 2030, the products we sell (electronic devices and fossil fuels) will emit 42 % less greenhouse gases during their use compared to 2021.

Evolution and forecast of our emissions in scope 1 and 2

Target 2030: -42% direct greenhouse gas emissions

Tonnes of CO₂eq (measured)

Tonnes of CO₂eq (forecast)

Data before 2021 will no longer be recalculated in case of organisational changes. 2021 is the base year for our reduction targets.

Reducing emissions within our own operation and activities: scope 1 and 2

Cooling

Since 2017, our food stores have been switching to cooling systems using natural refrigerants such as propane. They have less impact on global warming than the conventional variant. The switch will be completed by 2030 and will result in a significant reduction in emissions.

For chilled transport, Colruyt, Bio-Planet and Okay work with climate-friendly liquid ice containers, both for fresh produce and for frozen foods. At Collect&Go, our newly developed cool box also allows us to use fewer traditional CO2 refrigerated carts.

Our cooling systems with natural coolants instead of synthetic emit less greenhouse gases

By 2030 90 % of our stores will be low-energy stores

Heating

Many food stores are already using heat recovery. The residual heat from cooling is used as heating and often the step towards a fossil fuel-free store is made. Heat pumps will also further reduce emissions from heating.

Transport

We are fully committed to cleaner logistics with trucks, vans and delivery trucks running on alternative fuels. Our company cars also increasingly run on greener fuels such as CNG, electricity and hydrogen. Therefore, we invest in the necessary infrastructure such as charging stations at the various sites.

Our company cars are increasingly running on greener fuels

Reducing emissions in the value chain: scope 3

Together with our suppliers, we are committed to reducing the climate impact of the products in our stores. And with the
Eco-score, we help our customers choose products with a smaller impact on climate change.

We also make conscious choices with a view to emission reduction in the construction (materials) of our buildings and the transport of suppliers, customers and workers. Examples:

Store façade with a fully reusable click system
Less lorry trips by switching to barge transport in Belgium
More electric charging points at our store car parks
Saving millions of car kilometres by encouraging workers to cycle or carpool to work

The ClickBrick system allows walls to be built (elsewhere) again.

3. Removing CO2 from the air

In addition to reducing our emissions we will also remove the equivalent of our remaining emissions from the atmosphere through forest planting. By combining further emission reductions and capturing the remaining emissions, our group aims to achieve net zero emissions from 2030 onwards within scope 1 and 2 of the GHG Protocol.