Retailers must do more to encourage customers for low-carbon living, says BRC

Retailers must do more to inform and encourage their customers around low-carbon living, British Retail Consortium said today (14) as it released a guide in collaboration with PwC.

The retail industry- including product supply chains- is one of the largest contributors to UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with goods sold to consumers accounting for over 30 per cent of all emissions, BRC said, adding that this gives the industry both a huge opportunity and huge responsibility to play its part in combating climate change.

The guide titled “Helping Customers Live Low-Carbon Lifestyles” will help retailers in guiding customers to live lower carbon lifestyles and make more environmentally conscious choices when shopping.

The aim of the guide is to support retailers in moving “Non-Ecos”, those who are not informed or engaged with low carbon living, and turning them into “Net Zero Heroes”, who care deeply about climate change and engage with ethical and sustainable brands wherever possible, BRC said.

“Climate change is the greatest threat we face as a society, and we as an industry have a duty to fight it. The products consumers buy from our stores account for nearly a third of each household’s carbon emissions. Our role helping consumers to make better choices will be crucial in delivering the UK’s Net Zero ambitions,” Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the British Retail Consortium, said.

“The BRC is working closely with retailers; sharing some of the very best practices in the industry and using this to help and support others. By changing the behaviour of consumers, retailers can ensure we meet the Roadmap’s Net Zero ambition, driving the market to supply better low carbon products. We know customers want to do the right thing on climate change, but they need help to do so.”

The guide is part of the BRC’s Climate Action Roadmap, which aims to ensure the Retail Industry and its supply chains are Net Zero by 2040.