The vast majority of our greenhouse gas emissions are generated by our electricity consumption. During the year we purchased all of our electricity from renewable sources, which has a significantly reduced carbon impact, and we intend to continue to do so. Other contributors to our emissions are usage of gas, emissions from our vehicle fleet, and a small element from use of refrigerants.
We have invested in photovoltaic systems (solar power) in five of our stores (Leeds, Dunstable, Bristol, Cambridge and Darlington). These systems replace energy sourced through the national grid with local renewable energy. We continue to monitor performance of these installations to inform future investment decisions as we assess additional sites for solar power generation.
We work with specialist partners to consult on our energy-buying strategy, investments in energy-saving technology and to further focus on reducing our carbon emissions.
We agreed to invest in the installation of charging points at our Store Support Centre, and a proposal was being prepared for our Stoke distribution centres. However, the work was delayed due to Covid-19. We intend to complete this work in FY21. We have adopted a flexible working policy for our support centre team and a ‘remote first’ protocol for all of our meetings, which will significantly reduce the number of commuting car journeys made by our colleagues.
We opened up our company car list to include all hybrid and electric cars irrespective of vehicle make, whereas before we were tied to a small number of specific manufacturers; this increased the choice for colleagues.
Energy and transport fuel consumed
FY20 MWh |
FY19 MWh |
% change |
|
Purchase of energy | 50 | 57 | (11)% |
Vehicles on Company business | 2 | 3 | (22)% |
Vehicles in the Home Delivery Network | 12 | 9 | 26% |
64 | 69 | (8)% |
The principal measures to improve energy efficiency in stores are described above in relation to our electricity consumption. Miles driven by the Home Delivery Network increased by 30% year-on-year as a result in the growth of our home delivery sales, whereas energy usage only increased by 26%. The increase in mileage per gallon (mpg) was achieved through improved driver training and focusing on mpg analysis.nalysis.
FY20 Tonne CO2e |
FY19 Tonne CO2e |
% change |
|
Direct emissions (scope 1) | 5,800 | 5,880 | (1)% |
Indirect emissions (scope 2) | 9,510 | 12,774 | (26)% |
Total GHG emissions | 15,310 | 18,654 | (18)% |
Turnover | £1,057.9m | £1,100.4m | |
GHG intensity per £1m turnover | 14.5 | 17.0 | (15)% |
The reduction in indirect emissions is a result of reduced electricity usage of 12%, and the reduction of UK grid electricity carbon intensity. Increased energy used within the Home Delivery Network as a result of the increase in miles driven has been offset by reduced gas usage in stores and reduced natural gas conversion factors.