The Channel Islands Co-operative Society has had its net-zero greenhouse gas emissions targets officially validated by the Science Based Targets initiative.

The Coop says this milestone confirms that its climate ambitions align with the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard and the Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) Guidance, placing the CI Coop among leading businesses committed to tackling the climate emergency.

This approval recognises the real and practical steps CI Coop is taking to protect the planet – cutting emissions from its buildings, transport, supply chains and services, including its food stores, pharmacies and funeral homes. It also puts CI Coop among a growing group of forward-thinking businesses committed to tackling the climate crisis with science-led solutions.

As part of its plan, CI Coop is aiming to reduce its direct emissions – like those from energy use in stores and funeral homes – by 50% by 2030, and by 90% by 2035, compared to 2023 levels. It’s also working hard to reduce indirect emissions from things from things like food production, packaging and deliveries, with a goal to cut these by 90% by 2040. It will also completely remove deforestation from high-risk supply chains by the end of this year. Any remaining emissions will be balanced out through trusted projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Approved Targets

Overall Net Zero: Achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across the entire value chain by FY2040.

Near-Term Targets (by FY2030):

  • Reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% (from FY2023 baseline).
  • Reduce Scope 3 emissions from sold fossil fuel products by 51.6%, and all other Scope 3 emissions by 51.6% per million GBP value added.
  • Reduce Scope 3 FLAG emissions by 30.3% and commit to zero deforestation across primary commodities by December 31, 2025.


Long-Term Targets:

  • Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by FY2035.
  • Reduce Scope 3 fossil fuel emissions by 90% and all other Scope 3 emissions by 97% per million GBP value added by FY2040.
  • Reduce Scope 3 FLAG emissions by 72% by FY2040.

The Coop says these targets reflect the Society’s commitment to a robust, science-based approach to climate action, ensuring emissions reductions across operations, supply chains, and land-related activities.

Building the foundation

Since 2024, CI Coop has partnered with Simply Sustainable to measure and manage its carbon footprint, using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to establish a FY2023/24 baseline. This work included operational reviews, data verification, and hotspot analysis, forming the foundation for a comprehensive emissions reduction strategy.

Turning ambition into action

With validated targets in place, CI Coop is now, in collaboration with Simply Sustainable, developing a Net-Zero Transition Plan which will be a detailed roadmap outlining practical steps, investments, and governance to deliver on its commitments.

A spokesperson from Simply Sustainable, commented: “It has been a pleasure to work alongside the Channel Islands Coop on their climate journey. Building on strong sustainability foundations already in place, the Society’s ambition and leadership are clear through the achievement and validation of their net-zero target through the Science Based Targets initiative. At Simply Sustainable, we’re proud to have supported this important milestone and look forward to continuing our partnership as the Society develops its Net-Zero Transition Plan. The ambition shown by the Channel Islands Coop is exactly what’s needed to meet the challenges of the climate emergency.”

Carl Winn, Head of Community and Sustainability at CI Coop, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of our values as a co-operative. Achieving SBTi validation demonstrates our commitment to meaningful climate action and provides a clear, science-based pathway to net zero. This is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting our islands and communities for future generations.”

Mark Cox, Chief Executive Officer of CI Coop, added: “Our members and customers expect us to lead on sustainability, and we take that responsibility seriously. These targets set a bold course for the future, and we will continue to invest in solutions that reduce emissions and create a positive impact across our value chain.”