Retailers Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Sainsbury’s have demonstrated their commitment to sustainability and ethical standards on the high street.
M&S has been rewarded for putting responsible and sustainable practices at the core of its business by being named Business in the Community (BITC) Responsible Business of the Year.
M&S was singled out for the Responsible Business of the Year award for the progress of its ethical Plan A programme. Plan A, launched in 2007, includes 180 commitments designed to make M&S the world’s most sustainable major retailer by 2015.
The BITC judges recognised how well M&S has been doing implementing the plan in its commercial properties. It is the third time the retailer has won the award following successes in 2004 and 2006.
Accepting the award on behalf of M&S, CEO Marc Bolland said; “We’re delighted with the award. It’s a fantastic achievement that’s only been made possible by the commitment of our employees and the great support our customers have shown in backing initiatives like Shwopping.”
Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s is contributing to the sustainability of the UK dairy farming industry by adopting the Cost of Production (COP) model which will increase the price the retailer pays to farmers for their milk. The model guarantees Sainsbury’s Dairy Development Group (SDDG) farmers a fair deal in recognition of their outstanding environmental and animal welfare standards.
Alice Swift and agriculture technologist with Sainsbury’s said; “While input costs continue to be so volatile for farmers, we’re pleased to show that the model is delivering a fair price for everyone whilst most importantly being sustainable for the whole supply chain.”
The COP model is also good news for customers in Sainsbury’s commercial properties who can be assured that the retailer is promoting sustainability and supporting the UK dairy farming industry on their behalf.
Previous Post
Mercantile Capital Corporation Financed Record Number of Commercial Real Estate Deals in May
