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The upcoming Environmental Sustainability Summit 2025, hosted by Business Review on September 24 at the Pullman Hotel in Bucharest, promises to be a pivotal gathering for leaders from business, government, finance, and civil society. This event aims to tackle the pressing challenge of building a sustainable and resilient economy, a theme echoed in the initiatives of prominent companies like Auchan Retail Romania.

Corina Dospinoiu Imre, the Sustainability Director at Auchan, recently shared insights into the transformative impact of sustainability and ESG principles on the company’s operations. Among the most significant advancements is the establishment of Auchan Renewable Energy, which is set to ensure the company’s transition to green energy and energy autonomy by 2024.

With 47 stores already powered by renewable energy and the installation of over 18,000 photovoltaic panels across their hypermarkets, Auchan is making strides toward reducing its carbon footprint. Their efforts have resulted in a remarkable 50% reduction in emissions from energy consumption.

Aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative, Auchan has set clear, measurable goals for reducing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. By 2030, the company aims to cut direct emissions from energy consumption and refrigerants by 46% compared to 2019 levels, and indirect emissions from the supply chain by 25% compared to 2020. This ambitious plan underscores Auchan's commitment to fostering sustainability not just within its operations, but also through its procurement strategy, which emphasizes partnerships with local producers adhering to environmental and fairness standards.

The past year has marked significant progress for Auchan, with the implementation of innovative measures that have streamlined their logistics and operations. A notable achievement includes an 18% reduction in emissions from goods transport, driven by enhanced efficiency in their supply chain. Furthermore, Auchan has engaged in circular economy initiatives, rescuing over five million products from waste and converting 220 tons of food scraps into biogas.

In the social sphere, Auchan employees have actively participated in sustainability initiatives, contributing to nearly 8,800 volunteer actions that range from tree planting to supporting vulnerable communities. As the company continues to refine its governance practices, it is focusing on automating data for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive to simplify decision-making processes.

Sustainability is proving to be a key driver of operational efficiency for Auchan, significantly reducing costs associated with food waste and contributing positively to the company’s EBITDA through various sustainability projects. Looking ahead, Auchan plans to enhance its transition to a sustainable business model by expanding its use of renewable energy and optimizing logistics, including the introduction of electric truck deliveries.

The company is grateful for the active involvement of its customers in sustainability projects, such as the successful used cooking oil collection program, which has saved millions of liters of water, and the zero waste initiative, which has prevented over 18 million products from going to waste. With a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Auchan is not just adapting to change but actively leading the charge toward a more sustainable future.