Tesco to help supply chain cut carbon and energy use

British supermarket chain Tesco has introduced a collaborative buying club which will help its suppliers invest in energy efficient lighting equipment and installations by offering substantial discounts and advice. 

The Buying Club, which has been developed in collaboration with 2degrees and the Carbon Trust, will be available to the 700+ businesses that are members of the retail giant’s Knowledge Hub – a global and exclusive online community for Tesco suppliers which encourages members to share information, experiences and best practice in carbon reduction.

The scheme will work by using the collective purchasing power of the suppliers in the Knowledge Hub to negotiate discounts on energy efficient lighting equipment. Savings of up to 25% will be available on the cost of equipment, which could result in savings of up to 80% on energy bills.

The launch follows a successful pilot of four suppliers who trialled the model earlier in the year. Feedback from those who took part showed that power of collaboration can remove barriers and concerns to investing in energy saving measures - such as confusion over the huge range of low energy lighting providers, and quality and price.

Chloe Meacher, Tesco Climate Change Manager said: “We are committed to using our scale for good and this initiative is just one way we can do that, helping our suppliers make energy savings. Our suppliers have told us that cost and lack of knowledge can be the biggest barriers to making investment in energy savings. The Buying Club will address these concerns and support them in reducing their carbon footprint in a really practical way.”