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Empire Company Limited pledges net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2040

Sobeys store front with retrofitted lighting. (CNW Group/Empire Company Limited)

STELLARTON — On Jul. 28, Empire Company Limited announced it is setting emissions reduction targets in support of Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. This is a step in the Company’s plan to help combat climate change and is the latest step in the journey to invest in sustainability.

Adopting science-based targets gives Empire and its subsidiary Sobeys Inc., a path to reduce its carbon footprint. Some key Empire initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions will include electrifying delivery and fleet vehicles, installing rooftop solar panels, lighting and refrigeration retrofits, working with the supplier community to help them set science-based targets, and reducing emissions from fuel sold at filling stations.

“At Empire we know that now is the time to act on the climate crisis. Committing to concrete, science-based targets is the way we will make a difference,” said Michael Medline, President & CEO, Empire. “With the strong partnership and collaboration of our teams, suppliers, customers and communities, we can achieve our shared sustainability goals.”

Empire’s Scope 1 and 2 targets exceed the 1.5°C/Net Zero by 2050 trajectory set by the Paris Agreement, while its Scope 3 targets are aligned with SBTi requirements:

Near-term Targets:

• Scope 1 & 2 (absolute target): Reduce absolute Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions by a minimum of 55% by 2030 from a 2019 base year (a targeted minimum annual reduction of 5% between 2019 – 2030); and
• Scope 3 (supplier engagement-based target): Work with supplier base such that 62% of our suppliers by spend will set science-based reduction targets on their Scope 1 and 2 emissions in five years, and commit to a minimum 28% reduction in emissions from fuel sold by 2030.

“I am really excited about the road ahead. Today’s announcement is a major step forward in our sustainability journey. We have a solid science-based plan, aligned with global standards,” said Mohit Grover, SVP Innovation, Sustainability & Strategy at Empire. “Through our work on climate, we will uphold our values and commitment to sustainability.”

Empire will also embed its sustainability commitments in its corporate governance practice through a newly established Sustainable Business Council launching in fiscal 2023, which includes leaders in Real Estate, Supply Chain and Logistics, Sourcing and Merchandising, and Fuel.