Climate action

• On this page:
• Our approach
• Developing insight
• Sharing best practices
• Objectives
• Developing a common understanding of our impact
• Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Pursuing other environmentally responsible strategies

Our approach

We rely on efficient logistics to provide the broad and continuously available assortment of fresh, safe, high-quality products that consumers demand. We are focused on improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, by making our operations as efficient as possible to limit their negative impact on the climate and the environment.

We continue to work to reduce energy usage and emissions. This supports cost reduction and improvements to our competitiveness and at the same time helps us to meet our environmental goals.

We are working to better understand the impact of our operations on the environment and the climate. Our goal is to develop inspiring solutions that address the concerns of our customers and other stakeholders in the area of climate action.

We believe that to have a lasting impact on climate change it is necessary to partner with suppliers and other retailers to ensure that best practices are implemented throughout the supply chain and our industry.

Developing insight

In 2007, the issue of climate change continued to gain momentum, awareness and concern around the world and among our customers. We are aware of the strategic impact climate change will have on our business and industry. Our understanding of this issue has been, and continues to be, informed by internal experts, external developments and discussions with our stakeholders. We are working with a consultancy firm to ensure we benefit from external best practices.

Some of the questions we are currently addressing are: What does climate change mean to our business? What is the scope of the problem and what are the main impacts from our operations? What are customers' main concerns? What are the risks and rewards to our business? What is our role as a responsible retailer in responding to climate change?

Sharing best practices

To date, we have focused on environmental efficiency and energy management in our operations. ICA, Stop & Shop and Giant-Landover have been initiative leaders in these areas. In 2007, our CSR Coordinating Committee identified climate action as one of our four CSR priorities going forward. We have put a program director in place to manage our Ahold-wide approach to this issue. Our operating companies have each established a climate action committee to analyze their local situation and approach. We are already having discussions on climate action in industry bodies such as the European Retail Round Table (ERRT), Eurocommerce and the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). We also discuss the topic frequently with governments and NGOs in the regions where our operating companies are active.

Objectives

Our objectives in the area of climate action are to:

1. Develop a common understanding of our impact and a roadmap for climate action.
2. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our stores, distribution centers and transport.
3. Continue to pursue other environmentally-responsible strategies.

Developing a common understanding of our impact

We are currently working to develop a common understanding within our company of how we can best address the issue of climate action. > read more

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Energy use in refrigeration and food preparation is necessary to provide safe, fresh, quality food and an attractive shopping environment. It is one of our most significant direct environmental impacts. Another impact is transportation and distribution, which consumes fuel and produces CO₂ emissions, air pollution and noise. Our companies are also phasing out ozone-damaging refrigerants, managing refrigerant use and maintaining refrigeration systems to minimize leakage. > read more

Pursuing other environmentally responsible strategies

We believe that working to reduce waste is a significant aspect of environmentally responsible behavior. We are also aware of the indirect impact of our operations on the climate. In addition, recycling often benefits our businesses. Reducing waste creates cost savings and recycling can provide additional income. Some of the money generated by our recycling programs is donated to charitable causes. > read more