Careers

Our approach to reducing Scope 3 emissions

Scope 3 emissions (those in our value chain) form 98% of our total emissions. Our Scope 3 targets align with the latest and most ambitious SBTi target requirements. These ambitious targets are widely recognised as the most complex to reduce and can only be achieved through close collaboration and partnership with our suppliers. 

We are continuously improving the accuracy of our Scope 3 footprint and have a good understanding of our emission hotspots and opportunities for reductions. This view is enhanced by data collected from suppliers using third-party platforms such as Foodsteps, Secaro (previously M2030) and HIGG.

Our ambition

Achieve net zero in our value chain by 2050.

Our Scope 3 targets are approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and aligned with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

We are committed to reducing our near-term FLAG emissions by 36.4% and our energy and industrial emissions by 50.4% by 2030. These targets cover emissions from purchased goods for resale, transport, and consumer use.

By 2025/26, we aim for our key suppliers who account for the majority of our Scope 3 emissions to have approved 1.5°C net zero Science Based Targets. 

Our progress so far 

 BaselinePerformanceTarget
 FY 2023/24FY 2024/25FY 2025/26FY 2050/51
Absolute Scope 3 GHG emissions (tC02e) 27,692,97227,581,15827,857,467NetZero
 FY 2022/23FY 2024/25FY 2025/26FY 2025/26
Suppliers disclosing through Secaro or HIGG (% of emissions)43.8% (442 suppliers)53.0% 
 (612 suppliers) 		59.5% 
 (439 suppliers) 		No target
Suppliers with SBTi 1.5 degree net zero target approved (% of emissions)  
- SBTi 1.5oCnet zero target approved Less than 2% (8 suppliers) 
  		11.6%  
(71 suppliers) 		26.7%  
(94 suppliers) 		50-80% 
  
- Any SBTi 1.5oC aligned target approved Unavailable 39.8% 
 (148 suppliers) 		51.6% 
 (152 suppliers) 

50% 

For further information on our performance, please visit our Reports & Policies page for our Plan for Better report or read our full sustainability results in our Plan for Better Databook 

Our approach

We prioritise supplier engagement with our key carbon suppliers that make up the majority of our Scope 3 emissions. We actively encourage these suppliers to join us on the this journey to understand their carbon footprints and set 1.5oC aligned SBTi targets to drive emissions reductions. We also support them to disclose through platforms like Secaro (previously manufacturer 2030), Higg and CDP. 
 
Our leadership in this space has been recognised by CDP, where we maintained our place on the Supplier Engagement Assessment Leadership Board for our 2025 CDP Climate disclosure.  

We have identified three key emission hotspots: agriculture, electricals and fuel. These areas represent the most material sources of Scope 3 emissions across our value chain. We are working closely with suppliers in these sectors to understand their progress, develop decarbonisation roadmaps, and innovate together to reduce the carbon footprint of our products. 

These roadmaps are built around shared data, clear reduction levers and measurable milestones, enabling us to track progress and prioritise action where it matters most. In agriculture, for example, we’ve identified 27 High Environmental Impact Suppliers (HEIS) based on volume, value and environmental risk. We are collaborating with them to reduce emissions across meat, fish and poultry, produce and dairy. 

This work is already underway through our Making it Happen Action Groups. 

There are significant industry-wide challenges in measuring Scope 3 emissions. This year we have announced our partnership with Foodsteps which has allowed us to significantly improve the accuracy and specificity of our emissions data, particularly for our own-brand products. 

We have also started to integrate primary data from strategic suppliers into our footprint. These efforts are essential to ensure we can track real emissions reductions and model realistic forecasts.

We continue to engage with industry groups such as the Carbon Removals Taskforce and WRAP’s GHG Data and Methodology Working Group to improve the measurement and management of the sectors Scope 3 emissions.

We know making dietary shifts can have significant impacts on climate change. That is why we are encouraging more diverse and ‘better’ meat, fish, poultry and dairy, and more plant-rich choices through multibuys, our Aldi Price Match range and our yearly Great Fruit and Veg Challenge. 

Through sustainable sourcing, we are also making our meat less carbon-intensive—providing our customers with more sustainable choices while supporting our farming supply chain. We’re also active in the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD)’s Net Zero Diets workstream, helping shape industry-wide approaches to shifting consumption patterns in line with climate goals. 

We continue to work to drive progress on the reduction of Scope 3 emissions through our priority industry collaboration groups, Institute of Grocery Distribution and WRAP.

Our CEO, Simon Roberts, has also been appointed as a retailer on the UK Government’s new Food Strategy Advisory Board, supporting the development of a forward-thinking National Food Strategy. This reflects our commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable food system for everyone.

We recognise that Scope 3 emissions are largely beyond our direct control. However, we are committed to influencing change across our value chain through transparency, collaboration and innovation. For FLAG emissions we are engaging directly with our most material suppliers, as well as addressing challenges such as supply chain traceability and compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation.

Our Scope 3 strategy is underpinned by strong governance and stakeholder engagement. We are mobilising action across our value chain, setting clear expectations for disclosure and reduction, and participating in industry working groups to advance Scope 3 accounting and reporting. 

Case study

Conventional mushrooms grown without peat

In their natural, wet state, peatlands are a critical nature-based solution to sequester carbon and provide valuable habitats. In October 2024, we became the first UK supermarket to launch conventional mushrooms grown without peat, in close collaboration with our supplier Monaghan, which spent ten years researching peat alternatives. The new range will remove 20,465 tonnes of peat from mushroom production each year.

This change not only protects vital peatland ecosystems but also significantly reduces our Scope 3 emissions, as peat extraction and use are major sources of carbon release. By eliminating peat, we’re cutting emissions embedded in our supply chain and moving closer to our climate targets.

Mushroom for improvement: Sainsbury’s first UK supermarket to introduce peat-free mushrooms
Case study

Integrated Gamechanger Beef

Working with ABP Food Group and more than 540 trusted British farmers, we have launched a new reduced carbon, grass and forage fed Taste the Difference Aberdeen Angus beef range into over 60 stores, offering high quality, great tasting products, with 25% reduced carbon compared to the industry average. By integrating our dairy and beef supply chains, we have been able to produce a reduced carbon, fully traceable product, from farm to fork providing farmers with greater security and stability, resulting in a more sustainable, highly consistent, and traceable beef product for our customers.  

Sainsbury’s raises the steaks with lower carbon beef

Read more

Plan for Better Report
Annual Report 2024/25
Our approach to reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions
Reducing peat in our supply chains
How we engage with our suppliers