Kroger to reset Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2022 ESG report

Kroger has recently released its 2022 ESG report, which details the grocery company ramping up efforts to drive positive change across climate and social impact. Its overall strategy — called ‘Thriving Together’ — shows its progress, including a commitment to resetting current Scope 1 and 2 emissions to reflect the 1.5-degree scenario. 

Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste social and environmental impact plan is at the center. This aims to enable positive impact by increasing access to fresh, affordable food; reducing emissions, waste, and food waste for a healthier climate; investing in social entrepreneurs and creative thinkers to improve food security and prevent food waste; and tackling global issues through data and analytics. 

“The progress made over the last year is a true testament to the commitment of every last associate from the frontline to our merchandising, operations, supply chain teams, and beyond, who are advancing our vision to create healthy communities free from hunger and waste.”

Measuring Kroger’s 2021 emissions

The company has set a target to reduce 30% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 against a 2018 baseline. In 2021, the report shows a 15.2% decrease in emissions from a 2018 baseline due to a number of factors, such as incorporating more specific emissions factors for electricity consumption and lowering refrigerant emissions. 

Year-on-year emissions are less promising. Kroger’s Scope 1 emissions went up by 11.2% in 2021 compared to the previous year. Mobile emissions increased the most as a result of an improved data collection process, according to the company. Stationary combustion and refrigerant emissions saw a slight increase, as well. 

Its Scope 2 emissions, on the other hand, saw an 8% (market-based) and 9% (location-based) reduction compared to 2020. Energy-efficiency and energy-reduction projects largely enabled this, as well as an increased procurement of renewable energy through utility providers and changes in emissions factors. 

Kroger’s Scope 3 emissions saw the largest increase, going up by 14.5% compared to the previous year. Much of this was due to employee commuting and business travel. 

This year, Kroger has committed to set a goal aligned with the requirements of the Science Based Targets initiative, including resetting current Scope 1 and 2 emissions objectives to support the 1.5-degree scenario. Kroger will also set a new Scope 3 emissions goal in line with this, with a pledge to provide a progress update in its 2023 report. 

Food waste and ethical sourcing

Tackling food waste has been a major objective of Kroger’s. The report details more than USD 1.3 billion given to hunger relief, as well as 106 million pounds of surplus food that were rescued and donated. 82% of waste from landfills was diverted company-wide, as well. 

Other achievements include exceeding its roadmap milestone of transitioning 33% of its egg supply to a cage-free or higher-welfare supply. It has also sourced over 20.4 million pounds of Fair Trade Certified ingredients for private label products, seeing a 20.8% increase year-over-year.

“The progress made over the last year is a true testament to the commitment of every last associate from the frontline to our merchandising, operations, supply chain teams, and beyond, who are advancing our vision to create healthy communities free from hunger and waste,” group VP of corporate affairs and chief sustainability officer Keith Dailey said in a statement. 

“We celebrate another year of progress and our associates who make it possible.”