Retailers 'need to boost data and tech' for green creds

British retailers are being urged to accelerate their investment in data and technology to become sustainable with a new analysis revealing that the overwhelming majority (87%) collect emissions data manually.

A new BearingPoint study, based on a survey of British Retail Consortium members, shows that although 85% of major retailers say sustainability is a business driver, and 72% have a roadmap to go beyond minimum compliance, many simply do not have the processes in place.

This, the report argues, is impacting on their ability to measure progress and inform decision making. By automating the process of collecting data, retailers will also have more time for value-adding activities such as co-development of new sustainable products.

To combat this, retailers need to fully assess how different their future operating context could be and whether they have the right strategy to support this in the long-term.

They are also being urged to collaborate with external stakeholders to ensure accountability and transparency. And, while 70% have taken steps to communicate the sustainability of their products to consumers, nearly half (45%) are unable to state the percentage of revenue that comes from sustainable produces/services.

Retailers are also not yet realising the benefits of driving employee buy-in, with three-quarters (74%) having no link between the achievement of sustainability targets and remuneration.

Meanwhile, three-fifths (60%) provide no training or merely basic awareness training to employees outside of the core sustainability team. Effective training and incentivisation will empower employees to deliver impactful change, the study maintains.

BearingPoint partner Stuart Higgins said: “Our study shows that there are significant opportunities for UK retail to become a more sustainable industry.

“Crucially, there are key areas where retailers need to focus their efforts to accelerate progress – from incorporating a longer-term view which includes future risks and ESG macro trends into their strategy, to automating data collection processes, and collaborating more effectively with external stakeholders.

“Finally, it’s vitally important for retailers to recognise the role of employees in really driving change across the organisation – not just relying on the core sustainability team to do this.”