Lidl Switzerland will be “the first major retailer in Switzerland to compensate for its entire operational CO2 footprint”, writes a press release. Among the aims of its CO2 management plan is a reduction of 20 per cent CO2 per square metre of store area by 2020. This target will be achieved by investing in real estate, such as fitting LED lighting and electric heat pumps.
Lidl is also putting a price on CO2 emissions, which will be integrated into its investment cost accounting. The retailer wants to provide an economic incentive to invest in emissions reductions, according to the press release.
In addition, Lidl has worked with South Pole Group and Swiss Climate to devise a strategy to compensate for its existing CO2 footprint. By 2016, it will buy corresponding certificates worth more than CHF 200,000. Its compensation portfolio includes projects such as Swiss biogas plants and a forest project in Zimbabwe. "This ambitious sustainability strategy shows how Lidl Switzerland is leading and inspiring others in the Swiss retail industry. As South Pole Group, we could not be prouder of this collaboration," commented Renat Heuberger, CEO South Pole Group.