Abstract
Corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues have risen rapidly up the political and social
agenda as people become aware that energy-intensive lifestyles carry a high environmental cost. The
UK' s leading retail companies are in a hugely influential position to shape the industry' s response
because around 30 companies and retail groups account for half of all retail sales in the UK.
Stark warnings from the scientific community that the Earth' s climatic stability is being affected by
man-made causes, especially consumption of fossil fuels, are now beginning to trigger a reaction from
individuals, pressure groups, businesses and politicians. Leading retailers are playing their part either
by introducing measures aimed at reducing environmental impact but also by selling greener products
that help people reduce their impact on the environment.
The agenda is a broad one and covers:
- Ingredients and use of raw materials in what they sell
- How what they sell is grown or made and the conditions those producing it work under
- How it is shipped and how far it is shipped
- The energy costs of UK distribution networks
- The energy costs of the fabric of the stores they build and operate
- How products are packed and what happens to waste packaging
- How the item is disposed of at the end of its life
This reports focuses on the response businesses in the retail industry have already made, or are
intending to make, on both environmental and ethical issues. By gauging consumer opinion on these
issues the report assesses whether the measures retailers are taking, or are formulating are appropriate
and consistent with consumer thinking and whether they are likely to positively influence consumer
behaviour in future.
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