The Channel Islands Co-operative Society has published its half-year sustainability update, showcasing significant strides across its four sustainability pillars: Planet, People, Community, and Partners.
The report highlights the Society’s commitment to becoming a net zero business by 2040 and its ongoing efforts to deliver meaningful change across the islands.
Since launching its ‘Blueprint for a Sustainable Future’ in October 2023, the Society has made measurable progress toward its five-year goals. Key achievements in the first half of 2025 include:
- Planet: A 5% year-on-year reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with total emissions now at 89,441 tCO₂e. The Society continues to invest in energy-efficient technologies, including LED lighting upgrades, refrigeration improvements, and thermal blinds. It has also submitted its targets to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and is developing a comprehensive decarbonisation plan for its operations.
- People: Over 3,500 hours of colleague training have been delivered, with strong engagement in new e-learning programmes. The number of Mental Health First Aiders has more than doubled to 33, and over 500 colleagues have participated in wellbeing courses. The Society continues to lead on equitable pay, supported by its gender pay gap reporting.
- Community: £46,000 has been donated to 47 charities through the Community Fund, with a second tranche planned later this year. Colleagues have contributed 416 hours of volunteering, and over 65,000 food items have been redistributed via Olio, equivalent to 47,150 meals.
- Partners: More than £5 million has been spent with over 50 local producers, supporting the local economy and reducing food miles. Fairtrade product sales reached £1.39 million, and local procurement totalled £18.93 million.
Mark Cox (pictured), Chief Executive Officer of CI Coop, commented: “The commitments made in our strategy are not simply words—they are a clear statement of our intent to deliver our goods and services in a more sustainable way. I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and grateful to our colleagues and members who continue to support our journey.”
