BRC releases greener future protocol for retailers

Retailers and property owners have committed to develop a pioneering agreement to reduce the carbon emissions associated with retail properties.

The agreement, titled “Retailer/Landlord Net Zero Building Protocol”- a part of BRC Climate Action Roadmap, aims to set high standards of sustainability between retailers and property owners to support businesses’ own commitments to reduce carbon emissions and align with the government’s own requirements for increased building energy efficiency.

The protocol is supported by over 75 major retailers, which aims to ensure the Retail Industry and its supply chains are Net Zero by 2040. 

The protocol calls on property owners and retailers to improve energy efficiency by working collaboratively and investing in improvements such as insulation, and making it easier to share data on energy use. It also asks retailers and property owners to support greater on-site generation of sustainable energy, explore options for purchasing of renewable energy (to drive cost down) and to consider positively the scope for offsetting carbon emissions through increased on-site biodiversity.

The protocol is supported by over 75 major retailers, which aims to ensure the Retail Industry and its supply chains are Net Zero by 2040. 

Helen Dickinson OBE, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said, “The Net Zero Building Protocol is a great opportunity for retailers and property owners to work together towards a greener future. The protocol is the first of its kind to address the sustainability of retail sites with an ambition to improve energy efficiency and embrace renewable energy.

“Climate action demands cross-industry collaboration, and this protocol gives retailers and property owners the language and structure to create a greener property market. The commitments in the protocol, and in the BRC Climate Action Roadmap, will see the retail industry and its supply chain reach net zero emissions by 2040.”