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

The approval confirms that CI Coop’s climate ambitions align with the SBTi Corporate Net-Zero Standard and the Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) Guidance. 

The society says it recognises the “real and practical steps” it is taking to protect the planet – cutting emissions from its buildings, transport, supply chains and services, including its food stores, pharmacies and funeral homes. 

As part of its plan, CI Coop is aiming to reduce its direct emissions by 50% by 2030, and by 90% by 2035, compared to 2023 levels. 

It’s also working to reduce indirect emissions from operational and supply chain processes – like food production, packaging and deliveries – by 90% by 2040. It will also completely remove deforestation from high-risk supply chains by the end of this year. 

The society said that any remaining emissions would be “balanced through trusted projects that remove carbon from the atmosphere”. 

CI Coop’s approved targets in full are as follows: 

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. 

 “Sustainability is at the heart of our values as a co-operative,” said Carl Winn, Head of Community and Sustainability at CI Coop. 

“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.” 

Since 2024, CI Coop has worked with consultancy firm Simply Sustainable to measure and manage its carbon footprint, using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol to establish a FY2023/24 baseline. 

Now with validated targets in place, CI Coop confirmed it would be developing a Net-Zero Transition Plan with Simply Sustainable to deliver on its commitments. 

“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,” said a spokesperson from Simply Sustainable. 

“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.” 

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.”