European retailers sign green code of conduct

European retailers have signed a voluntary environmental code of conduct for the retail sector whereby they commit to a set of principles and measures aimed at reducing their environmental footprint.

The Retail Environmental Sustainability Code was presented to EU Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik at an event to mark the first anniversary of the Retail Forum.

Signatories commit to the setting up and implementation of measures on:

• Sourcing
• Resource efficiency
• Transport and distribution
• Waste management
• Communication to encourage more sustainable consumption, product use and disposal

As regards reporting, signatories agree to report on the progress as regards this code through their existing procedures, for instance through their annual CSR or other reports. For more information see here.