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Somerfield results - Environment
- Indicator 1.1
- Indicator 1.2
- Indicator 1.3
- Overall commentary and examples of good practice
- Supermarket comments
Indicator 1.1
Issue: Corporate commitment to environmental responsibility and performance
Indicator: Board-level responsibility, training and reporting
Within the CSR section on the website there is evidence of a growing commitment to improve performance in all aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility. Somerfield has a Corporate Responsibility Group chaired by the Company Secretary who will develop and report on a CSR policy. It is not known whether training and development with an environmental component takes place within Somerfield at any level.
There is currently no CSR or Environmental report, but there are dedicated sections of the annual report and on the website for these areas. As the CSR area grows over time within Somerfield it would be important to report back on these issues.
Indicator 1.2
Issue: Climate change
Indicator: Energy use and emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2)
Indicator: Energy Use and Emissions of Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Somerfield has set targets for reduced energy consumption, but these are not widely documented. By continuing investing in improvements to existing cooling equipment will mean they remain on track to meet their current target. Within the driving fleet they are incentivising drivers to choose less-polluting cars. During the year they reduced fuel consumption by 2% and cut CO2 emissions by 1313 tonnes.
Going forward, Somerfield can improve their scores by using the DEFRA Guidelines on company reporting on greenhouse Gas Emissions and achieving the manageable targets that they have set.
Indicator 1.3
Issue: Waste
Indicator: Waste management and minimisation
Without sufficient data it is not known if Somerfield sets targets for waste minimisation. The cost of waste to landfill is particularly high. No stores are currently operating a composting scheme or food recovery initiatives, but setting manageable targets to reduce waste sent to landfill will undoubtedly take priority in the future.
Somerfield stores have replaced conventional plastic bags with degradable ones – the first supermarket bags to be supported by the Soil Association.
Overall commentary and examples of good practice
There was very little data to go on whilst scoring the module, but looking into the website it is clear that there is an awareness of the need for a stronger commitment towards the Environment. Somerfield maintains that although their environmental performance is steadily improving, they do recognise that they still have much more to do.
Examples of best practice
- Somerfield stores have replaced conventional plastic bags with degradable ones – the first supermarket bags to be supported by the Soil Association.
Areas for improvement
- We strongly recommend Somerfield set targets to decrease current waste sent to landfill – and hence cost associated with it, by employing waste minimisation techniques. Primarily reduce the amount of packaging used, secondly, increase the use of recycled materials in packaging and thirdly seek to utilise biodegradable packaging. A leading supermarket within this sector has 20% of it’s own brand packaging made from biodegradable materials.
- We strongly recommend aiming for absolute CO2 emission reduction in accordance with Government targets and obligations. Emissions of greenhouse gases should be calculated using DEFRA guidelines and Somerfield should sign up to MACC2 (making a corporate commitment) to set more ambitious targets to reduce CO2.
- Consideration should be given for bringing in an external waste auditor to assist in the development of waste minimisation or recycling schemes either at store level or more strategically through the supply chain.
- We recommend Somerfield develop an environmental report (or full section within the annual report) clearly stating: their environmental policies; management structures and accountabilities; the setting of environmental targets, and commitment to report progress against those targets.
- Reduce energy emissions through modifications to store lighting and through recovering waste heat from refrigerant systems. Replace older HCFC store refrigerant systems with new more efficient units (HFC’s).
- Achieve targets for reducing greenhouse gases and other emissions through sourcing in-store and distribution centre energy from renewable sources. Other leading supermarkets purchase 10-25% of their electricity from renewable sources.
- Develop a green travel plan, including car share schemes and walking and cycling initiatives to influence ways staff travel to work.
- Consideration could be given into becoming a member of Transport 2000’s ‘Ground floor partnership’ – a National group of employers that meet to promote best practice regarding travel plans and transport policy.
- Experiment with new technology in the form of alternative fuels (biodiesel, liquid petroleum gas, compressed natural gas) and new vehicle designs that minimise fuel use through aerodynamic changes and new tyres. Another leading supermarket anticipates running its entire distribution vehicles on chicken fat and waste cooking oils.
- Divert freight off the roads; consider using more environmentally friendly modes of transport: rail, coastal shipping and waterways where appropriate. Combined transport can provide very cost-effective and reliable alternatives to road-only options.
- Develop further opportunities for back-hauling, which will reduce mileage, fuel and the number of vehicles on the road.
- Introduce environmental awareness training for all Somerfield staff, through the induction process.
Supermarket comments
Somerfield recovers cardboard and waste plastic from stores. We have trialled charity collection schemes for surplus foods but they have not been successful. We have now started on a more structured approach to the environment with the help of consultants.