Ahold Delhaize Aims to Halve Its Carbon Emissions by 2030

As part of its ongoing commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and mitigate climate change, Ahold Delhaize announced July 31 that it will halve carbon emissions from its own operations by 2030. The Netherlands-based retailer is also engaging suppliers and customers to reduce their emissions from the value chain by 15% in the next decade.

“Climate change is impacting our planet and how our food is grown, and it will continue to change our business into the future,” said Frans Muller, CEO of Ahold Delhaize, in a release. “By setting ambitious new targets and by becoming a supporter of the Task Force on Climate-Related Disclosures, Ahold Delhaize is committing to taking a leading role in mitigating this global crisis and preparing for a more resilient and healthy future.”

Ahold and its local brands will reduce absolute emissions from stores, distribution centers, operations and offices by accelerating investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency throughout their operations; improving refrigeration systems; and further moving toward low-carbon distribution and logistics systems. 

And as part of a new initiative to reduce emissions across the wider food industry, Ahold and its brands will partner with suppliers and engage consumers to reduce their emissions by increasing low-carbon products in their assortments and by reducing food and packaging waste.

These new targets come as Ahold is already on track to achieve its 2020 goal of reducing relative emissions by 30% from 2008, and follows new sustainability goals announced in February by the retailer.  

Ahold will report publicly on its commitments in its Annual Report.