17 Mar 2011 10:03:02

John Lewis group to cut absolute CO2 emissions by 15%

The John Lewis Retail Group has made a commitment to slash its absolute CO₂ emissions by 15 percent by 2020.

Progress on the reduction will be monitored internally each month, with an annual report on progress being made available to the public.

Currently the retailer owns 32 John Lewis department stores and more than 200 Waitrose supermarkets, although plans are to double in size in the next decade.

The goal for an absolute cut in emissions mean despite this the company will still have to cut its CO₂ emissions by 15 percent on its 2010/2011 baseline figure.

Charlie Mayfield, John Lewis Partnership chairman, said the target is one which will "stretch and challenge the business" but stressed the focus on reducing its environmental impact is not a new one.

Work on reducing the amount of CO₂ produced will be done in partnership with the East Cowes Waitrose Energy Centre, due to be completed later this year.

"They'll be a driving force in this initiative," Mr Mayfield said.

John Lewis also owns a production facility and a farm, achieving a turnover of £8.2 billion last year.