Tesco ((TSCO.L), Britain’s largest supermarket chain, has pledged to spread the green message to its millions of customers while setting an example.
The company is cutting its energy use by half and plans to offer critical sustainable productions to the public at low prices, in a 500 million pounds (US$987 million) program.
In the U.S., the company is building what it says is the world’s biggest roof-top solar panel installation. Los Angeles-based Solar Integrated Technologies (SITq.L) won a $13 million contract to install solar panels at Tesco USA’s new distribution centre in Riverside, California.
The first product to be highlighted will be compact flourescent light bulbs, which will be offered at half price.
Tesco’s 100 million pound plan launched in April to cut energy use in stores by half by 2010, is already ahead of schedule. It’s expected to meet the target two years earlier – and plans to spend 500 million or more on proven low carbon technology to cut its energy use.
The company also plans to develop the “carbon calory,” a standard measure which would be included as a label on all its products.
“The huge growth in sales of organic food is testimony to the fact that people will make greener choices if we give them the right information, opportunity and incentive,” said Terry Leahy, CEO.
“The competitive pricing of organic products meant that, for many, they are no longer luxury items … In the same way we now have to make sustainability a significant mainstream driver of consumption. I see this as a tremendous opportunity for Tesco.”
This is the second announcement this week from a major UK retailer: Marks & Spencer announced it would spend 200 million pounds over five years to convert to biodegradable, compostable packaging and clothing.
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