Developing a common understanding of our impact

This involves first understanding our impact on climate change. We have started to investigate this complex issue. In general, retailers have a relatively low environmental impact, when compared with the effect of the manufacture of products and the refrigeration, preparation, consumption and disposal of food by customers. We believe it is our responsibility to first address the direct impacts of our operations, and then reach out to suppliers and customers to help reduce the indirect impacts. Our goal is to develop a state-of-the-art climate action program, based on internationally recognized guidelines (including GRI's G3 Guidelines, Greenhouse Gas Protocol and the Carbon Disclosure Project). We plan to have this strategy in place, including our approach to reporting, by the time we publish our next year's CSR report.

Good alignment of stores, distribution centers and suppliers contributes to product quality and sales, enhances efficiency and reduces waste.