Aldi is taking action on sustainability for the sake of affordable groceries.
Germany-based Aldi South Group has set a goal to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2050 — a move it says makes it one of the first international grocery retailers with net-zero emissions targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.
SBTi is a corporate climate action organization that enables companies to play their part in combating the climate crisis and set greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets in line with what is needed to mitigate global warming, according to a news release. As a part of Aldi South Group, the Batavia, Ill.-based Aldi U.S. will play “a vital role in advancing progress on these goals,” the release said.
The SBTi has validated that the following science-based emissions reductions targets submitted by Aldi South Group conform with the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard and the SBTi Forest, Land and Agriculture Guidance:
• Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions resulting from Aldi stores and direct operations 90% by 2035 from a 2021 base year.
• Reduce absolute Scope 3 emissions resulting from the Aldi value chain 90% by 2050 from a 2022 base year.
• Reduce absolute Scope 1 FLAG emissions 72% by 2050 from a 2021 base year, and absolute Scope 3 FLAG emissions 72% by 2050 from a 2022 base year. Aldi says it is one of the first retailers to set specific targets to reduce its FLAG emissions.
Aldi recognizes its responsibility to address climate change so that it can continue to do what it does best — offer affordable, high-quality groceries that shoppers love, the release said.
To advance immediate progress and action, Aldi South Group is committing to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions 52% by 2030 from a 2021 base year and Scope 3 emissions 25% by 2030 from a 2022 base year, the release said. It is also committing to reduce absolute Scope 1 FLAG emissions 30.3% by 2030 from a 2021 base year and Scope 3 FLAG emissions 30.3% by 2030 from a 2022 base year.
Further, the company said it has committed to no deforestation across its primary deforestation-linked commodities, including palm oil, cocoa, coffee, beef and wood fiber-based products, by the end of 2025.
“There is a reason why Aldi is one of the only grocery retailers with SBTi-validated net-zero targets. We do things differently and sustainability is no exception,” said Jason Hart, CEO for Aldi U.S. “For instance, because our stores are stocked with 90% Aldi-exclusive brands, we can work more directly with our suppliers on emissions reductions. These industry-leading science-based targets are another way we are underscoring our commitment to operating sustainably and responsibly so we can keep offering quality, affordable groceries.”
Aldi says it will focus on new partnerships and its existing industry-leading initiatives that target the largest sources of emissions, including purchased products.
Seeking a more sustainable supply chain
With the majority of its emissions stemming from its supply chain, Aldi says it recognizes the imperative to partner closely with suppliers. Aldi says it will also make further investments to decarbonize its supply chain by forming partnerships with NGOs, joining multistakeholder initiatives and funding on-farm pilot programs, with a heightened focus on its dairy and beef supply chains.
As one example, Aldi is a member of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy’s Dairy Sustainability Alliance and will continue to explore the interconnectedness between emissions reductions, nature and biodiversity and animal welfare. Aldi says its participation illustrates its commitment to identifying potential solutions to reduce emissions from dairy in partnership with the broader industry.
Aldi is also partnering with third-party logistics providers to identify opportunities to use alternative fuel sources and electric trucks to reduce transport emissions.
On the refrigeration front, Aldi says it is advancing progress on its goal to transition all stores to natural refrigerants by 2035 and continues to receive recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency for its progress. Today, Aldi uses natural refrigerants in more than 700 stores, saving 60% of potential carbon emissions each year, the release said.
Aldi is also focused on reducing energy consumption, investing in energy efficiency in its stores, regional distribution centers and offices and purchasing renewable energy, the release said. Today, 100% of its electricity comes from renewable sources.
The company says these efforts are all part of its ambition to become the “most sustainable grocer in the country.”