Sainsbury’s has launched a sustainability plan which includes a commitment to source all its timber from the most sustainable sources.
The sustainability commitment to source all commodities which can cause deforestation, including timber, biofuels and some food products, is intended to be realised by 2020.
“We will be the leading “tree-friendly” retailer – planting new trees, both at home and abroad, and protecting and preserving existing forests,” the company said.
It will set up a research and development programme with the intention of reducing its dependence on commodities sourced from regions at risk of deforestation.
The supermarket group, whose business includes selling a range of furniture, is already a founding member of the WWF Global Forest and Trade Network and has a partnership with the Woodland Trust.
The 20 by 20 Sustainability Plan, which defines 20 sustainability goals, also includes a commitment to build new zero carbon stores, featuring renewable energy, such as biomass boilers. Engineered timber, including glulam, has been used in the construction of a number Sainsbury’s stores in recent years.
The group has also installed 20 biomass boilers since 2008, using either woodchips or pellets.
