Co Operative

Co-Operative, a UK-based railway transportation services company, has reported its carbon emissions and set ambitious climate targets.

In 2025, Co-Operative's total emissions are projected to be approximately 5.2 billion kg CO2e. This includes Scope 1 emissions of about 150 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions of around 100 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions of approximately 4.96 billion kg CO2e.

Looking back, in 2024, the company's total emissions were approximately 5.23 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 at about 158 million kg CO2e, Scope 2 at around 105 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 at roughly 4.97 billion kg CO2e. In 2023, Co-Operative reported Scope 1 emissions of approximately 180 million kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions of around 107 million kg CO2e. For 2022, Scope 1 emissions were approximately 368 million kg CO2e and Scope 2 emissions were about 310 million kg CO2e. In 2021, the company reported Scope 1 emissions of around 198 million kg CO2e and Scope 2 (location-based) emissions of approximately 121 million kg CO2e.

Co-Operative has committed to several climate targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company aims to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040.

Near-term targets:

• Absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions: Reduce by 66% by 2030 from a 2016 base year. Co-Operative also had a target to reduce operational (Scope 1 and 2) emissions by 50% by 2025, compared to 2016, which it met three years early.
• Absolute Scope 3 emissions: Reduce from purchased goods and services, fuel and energy-related activities, upstream transportation and distribution, waste generated in operations, business travel, and end-of-life treatment of sold products by 58.8% by 2030 from a 2016 base year.
• Absolute Scope 3 FLAG emissions: Reduce by 42.4% by 2030 from a 2016 base year, and commit to no deforestation across primary deforestation-linked commodities by December 31, 2025.
• Food waste: Reduce food waste generated in stores and depots by 50% by 2030, compared to 2022.
• Plastic footprint: Reduce plastic footprint by 30% by the end of 2025, compared to a 2018 baseline.
• Supplier engagement: Suppliers that collectively contribute to 50% of the company's emissions will have set science-based net-zero targets aligned to 1.5ºC by 2025.

Long-term targets:

• Absolute Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions: Reduce by 90% by 2040 from a 2016 base year.
• Absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions: Reduce by 90% by 2035 from a 2016 base year.
• Absolute Scope 3 FLAG GHG emissions: Reduce by 72% by 2040 from a 2016 base year.

The Co-operative Group is working towards being a net-zero business for its operations by 2035 and across its entire business by 2040. The company also aims to maintain carbon neutrality across its CFS, The Co-operative Travel, and The Co-operative Clothing divisions.