Tesco launches massive new green plans

Tesco has unveiled plans to develop its contribution to sustainability with a range of green initiatives. Overall, the chain plans to pour £500 million into furthering its environmental policies. This has not been without its critics. Friends of the Earth say Tesco needs to first look at its own operations and affect on the environment, and the Climate Change Corporation has expressed suspicion as the announcement comes in the wake of Tesco's huge expansion plans.

One step Tesco is taking is to cut the cost of its energy efficient light bulbs by 50%. The chain has also committed to sticking a "carbon rating" label on each product to raise awareness, and as part of the general push to encourage customers to go green. Tesco recognises the market has become more envrionmentally aware and that people want to participate in moves that are good for the planet. The response seems to be a greater stressing on the priority of sustainability, and advocating a low-carbon economy. Marks and Spencer has also pledged £200 million for the same cause.

Tesco has planned to review its carbon footprint more rigorously, which currently stands at two million tonnes of C02 annually. The chain is following in the fort steps of Wal-Mart, and indeed Tesco's American arm, Fresh 'n' easy, has adopted the use of solar panels at its distribtution sites.

Here, the chain also hopes to cut energy by 50% per sq ft. As part of the funds be ing set aside for the initiatives, £5 miilion will go toward a new Insitute for Sustainable Consumption, which will be devoted to researching better ways to preserve the environment. This is to be in conjunjtion with the University of Manchester. £100 million is also to be spent on developing low-carbon technologies.

Although Tesco has met with accusations of dominating the market and squeezing suppliers at home and abroad (Indonesia, for example), these developments are unprecedented and mark a new outlook for the group.