Co-op to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions with new delivery model

Co-op has unveiled plans to replace its fleet of fossil-fuel powered home delivery vans by 2025.

The convenience retailer is committed to accelerating zero emission deliveries in order to further reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions, starting with stores in Hebden Bridge; Holmfirth and Hove this month, followed by stores in Ryde, Isle of Wight and Whitby which take delivery of electric vehicles early next year to enable groceries ordered through Co-op’s own online shop  to be delivered using electric vehicles.

Co-op became the first British retailer to become a signatory of the UN’s ‘Our Only Future’ campaign, and  is committed to minimising its environmental impact. It sources only 100% renewable electricity for all of its food stores, offices and funeral homes. Last year, it confirmed that it had already halved its greenhouse gas emissions in the ten years from 2006, and announced that it has committed to further reductions in its GHG emissions of 50% by 2025.

Chris Conway, Head of eCommerce, Co-op, said: “Our focus is to continue to innovate and look for new and better ways to do business in our communities and to expand access to our products and services. In addition to offering quality and value quickly, easily and conveniently, we need to do this sustainably, and by replacing all our own vehicles and working collaboratively with partners with shared values we can ensure we further reduce greenhouse gas emissions which is essential if we are to have a healthy and sustainable natural environment to pass on to future generations.”

Co-op’s online offer sees stores act as micro-distribution hubs locally, orders are picked from stores in the community so that the High Street benefits from any increase in online demand.