The Co-operative Group: planning for the future

By putting sustainability on THE same footing as other initiatives, emissions were cut by 35%, seven years ahead of target
Climate change protesters
The Co-operative Group campaigns actively with NGOs on issues such as climate change. Photograph: Benjamin Ealovega/The Co-Operative Group

Launched in 2011, The Co-operative Group's ethical plan shows that large companies can substantially improve their environmental footprint and still achieve strong growth.

Several features set the plan apart. Uniquely, it is integrated into the company's financial operating plan, putting sustainability on the same footing as other business priorities. At the same time, many of its targets and commitments raise the standard for environmental performance in the UK.

For instance, The Co-operative significantly cut waste ahead of target and sets the benchmark in areas such as forestry protection and the responsible sourcing of fish.

Targets are assessed on a rolling basis and either realigned according to performance or benchmarked against competitors to maintain a lead.

The group reduced absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 35% between 2006 and 2010, seven years ahead of target. Consequently, that target is being revised in a process that will involve the company's membership base.

The review process is just one example of the democracy and accountability that underpins The Co-operative's business model.

Influencing public policy is another. The Co-operative Group campaigns actively with NGOs for a more sustainable world – calling on the UK government to tackle the Unfinished Business of Third World Debt, for instance, or addressing the decline of bee pollinators through its Plan Bee campaign.

Lorna Thorpe is part of the wordworks network
