METRO consistently drives forward climate protection measures
11 April 2024
Photovoltaic system at the METRO logistics site in Marl, the largest rooftop solar installation in Germany in September 2023
METRO is not only a leading wholesaler for the hospitality industry, but has also set itself ambitious climate protection targets as part of its sustainability strategy. The company has set itself the goal of consistently reducing its ecological footprint and becoming completely climate-neutral by 2040 in its own business operations, i.e. in terms of electricity, heat, coolants, etc. for the operation of its own stores and infrastructure, as well as in terms of emissions from its own logistics.
To achieve this goal, METRO focuses on the consistent implementation of various programmes throughout the group. The Energy Saving Programme (ESP) invests in energy-efficient technology such as LED lighting with sensor control or high-speed doors between the sales floor and warehouse. The Energy Awareness Programme (EAP) increases energy and resource awareness among employees and the F-Gas Exit Programme (FEP) ensures that the operation of refrigeration and air conditioning systems with harmful greenhouse gases is phased out. These programmes are flanked by measures to phase out the use of fossil heat (optimisation/replacement of heating systems) and the installation of photovoltaic systems to generate green electricity. With more than 60 photovoltaic systems currently in operation and upcoming projects in Poland, Hungary, Romania, Turkey, Spain, France, Italy and Germany, METRO will have already covered 10% of its global electricity demands from self-installed renewable energy systems by 2030. In addition, Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) will be concluded with external suppliers that produce electricity from renewable energy plants. In Portugal and Spain, up to 75% of the annual electricity demands of all MAKRO wholesale stores and Aviludo depots will be purchased from renewable energy sources via a PPA from 2026.
In addition to its own business operations, logistics is also an important factor for climate protection. One important aspect here is to optimise transport routes and increase vehicle capacity utilisation in order to reduce emissions in the long term. Another focus is on switching to electromobility, which has a positive impact on the company's energy balance as well as improving the environment and quality of life in cities. METRO has been using electric vehicles to supply its customers for several years and is continuously expanding its fleet. METRO currently has more than 800 electric vehicles in 10 countries, which cover around 16 million kilometres annually and save around 1,000 tonnes of CO2 in the process. In addition, METRO offers its customers and employees the opportunity to charge their own electric vehicles at the charging stations in the company's own car parks. As a founding member of the EV100 initiative of the non-profit organisation The Climate Group, METRO back in 2017 already committed to installing 1,000 charging points by 2030. This ambition was already exceeded last year and massive investments are being made in the expansion of the charging infrastructure, particularly in countries such as Spain, France, Italy and Turkey.
The measures to reduce emissions in its own business operations and in logistics are part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy at METRO, which is based on 3 ESG priorities - in addition to climate and CO2, these are ethical behaviour and trust in the supply chain as well as equality, inclusion and well-being. The priorities are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations and are anchored in the sCore growth strategy. METRO is thus focussing on future-proof solutions to tackle global challenges and contributing to sustainable business development and a more climate-friendly world.
