Lidl Reinforces Climate Commitment, Aiming for Net-Zero by 2050; Ryan McDonnell Shares



Lidl Reinforces Climate Commitment, Aiming for Net-Zero by 2050; Ryan McDonnell Shares



ARLINGTON, VA - Reaffirming its sustainability commitment, Lidl set ambitious climate targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 as it weaves sustainability into the fabric of its operations and supply chain.

Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer, Lidl Great Britain (Photo credit: Lidl Ireland)
Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer, Lidl Great Britain (Photo credit: Lidl Ireland)

“Tackling climate change is a huge priority for us at Lidl; our commitment to achieving net zero through our new quantified targets demonstrates the scale of our ambition,” said Ryan McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer. “We know that collaboration will be central to our aims—from engaging customers on our progress to working closely with suppliers to develop products more sustainably.”

By 2030, Lidl aims to cut its absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 70 percent from a 2019 baseline, having already achieved a 52 percent reduction across all markets. In Great Britain, Lidl sourced 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, installed solar PV systems in new stores and regional distribution centers, and began transitioning its delivery fleet to biogas-powered vehicles.

Lidl's net-zero strategy also included Scope 3 emissions, which account for over 90 percent of its total emissions. By 2034, the company planned to reduce its absolute Scope 3 agriculture, forestry, and other land use emissions by 42.4 percent from a 2022 baseline.

Reaffirming its sustainability commitment, Lidl set ambitious climate targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (Photo credit: Lidl GB)
Reaffirming its sustainability commitment, Lidl set ambitious climate targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 (Photo credit: Lidl GB)

Lidl focused on collaborating with suppliers, aiming for those responsible for 75 percent of product-related Scope 3 emissions to set climate targets aligned with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) by 2026. Notably, its beef supplier, Dunbia, targeted a 28 percent reduction in Scope 3 emissions intensity by 2030, while Lidl launched its Sustainable Beef Group to reward farmers for sustainable practices.

Through partnerships with Manufacture 2030 and Mondra, Lidl worked to enhance greenhouse gas emissions reduction efforts across its supply chain. Both organizations supported Lidl’s suppliers in improving Scope 3 data collection to facilitate emission reductions.

According to a press release, Lidl’s commitment to the SBTi, which it joined in 2020, underscores its dedication to the Paris Climate Agreement goals and the overarching aim of achieving a sustainable product range at competitive prices for consumers.

Explore further sustainability strategies by delving into AndNowUKnow.