Lidl GB has set new climate targets that will see it carbon neutral by 2022 and an international reduction of CO2 emissions from its own operations (Scope 1 & 2) of 80 per cent by 2030.

To achieve this, Lidl will focus on cutting carbon emissions across its stores and distribution centres, including through installing solar panels on all new stores and its continued investment in refrigeration and lighting technologies to improve overall energy efficiency.

The discounter has also committed to operating 350 EV charging points at its stores by 2022, after it opened its hundredth EV charging point earlier this year as part of its commitment to support customers’ journeys to lower their carbon impact.

Christian Härtnagel, CEO at Lidl GB, said: “With the UK hosting COP26 in November, this is a crucial year in the fight against climate change and we recognise our responsibility to reduce our emissions to help tackle this important issue. We’re therefore one of Europe’s largest retail businesses and through these ambitious targets we hope to make a significant contribution by not only rapidly decarbonising our own operations but also supporting our suppliers to do the same.”

To tackle scope 3, which represents over 98 per cent of all emissions, Lidl will oblige suppliers, representing 75 per cent of product-related scope 3 emissions, to commit to their own climate protection targets according to the methodology of the Science Based Targets initiative by 2026. This will be delivered through a comprehensive supplier engagement and learning programme across the Group, including supporting farmers on Lidl GB’s Grassroots programme to conduct carbon footprints on their businesses and develop carbon reduction plans.

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