Help customers become eco-heroes, says BRC

The guide – entitled ‘Helping Customers Live Low-Carbon Lifestyles’ – has been produced in partnership with accounting firm PwC.

The BRC says that the retail industry, including its product supply chains, is one of the biggest contributors to UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for 30% of the nation’s total.

Helen Dickinson, chief executive of the 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.

“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 an effort to transform “non-ecos” – those who are not informed about or engaged with low-carbon living – into what it labels “net zero heroes”.

This involves engaging their interest, persuading them to buy low carbon products and helping customers dispose of them in a responsible way.

Tom Beagent, director of sustainability and climate change at PwC, said: “For the sector to reach net zero by 2040 sustainability needs to be at the very heart of a retailer’s strategy, focusing on innovations that please consumers and are good for business while reducing emissions within the business and supply chain.

“Although eco-consumerism is clearly on the rise, we know that some consumer segments haven’t fully embraced sustainable shopping.

“Retailers have a pivotal role to play in helping these less environmentally conscious consumers access better information and make it easier for people to make low carbon choices.

“Ultimately all choices need to be net zero by 2040 to meet this target so the race is on to make this vision a reality.

“Retailers can be part of the climate solution by only offering desirable net zero products and services which can be used and disposed of as part of a net zero lifestyle.”