In 2021, we committed to the internationally recognised Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In our own operations across Scope 1 and 2 emissions calculations are based on solid data while Scope 3 emissions calculations are based on generic emissions factors.

Through a materiality analysis we have chosen to focus by far the most intensely on energy consumption and energy usage this past year, allocating a highly significant part of our capex-spending for investments in energy reduction initiatives, benefitting both the climate and making our business less vulnerable to fluctuations in the energy market with 2022 being characterised by a regular crisis. The highly volatile, increasing prices made it both good business sense and climate sense to invest in a reduction of our consumption and a restructuring of our energy sources.

A total DKK 1.4 billion is invested in Scope 1 in decarbonisation, replacing gas with heat pumps and replacing remaining chillers while close to DKK 1 billion is invested in Scope 2 in solar panels, installing doors on all chillers in stores and replacing spots in føtex and Bilka with LED, leading to a reduction of almost 114,000 tonnes of CO₂e, a reduction of almost 30% of emissions from own operations across Scopes 1 and 2.

Recycling percentage slightly increased from 76.8% in 2022 to 77.0% in 2023. Reduced volumes decreased waste in tonnes and changed the mix of materials to be recycled. Especially the use of reusable Europool boxes in Fruit and Vegetables lowered the volume of cardboard used in our stores.

Food waste in tonnes went from 40,817 tonnes to 44,438 tonnes as a consequence of our expansion in Netto Poland with 247 stores compared to 2021. Furthermore, the change of consumer behaviour as a result of inflation increased our food waste percentage.

Water consumption per m2 went up by 3.6% from 0.166 in 2022 to 0.172 in 2023. We continue to focus on efficiency initiatives to reduce water consumption.