Tayside projects showing how resource efficiency can improve retailing in Scotland were presented to a gathering of trade leaders and politicians.
The Scottish Retail Consortium used a parliamentary reception in Edinburgh to launch A Better Retailing Climate: Driving Resource Efficiency in Scotland, a strategic report setting out fresh targets and commitments on environmental sustainability to 2020.
The document also outlined the progress and achievements by members against the targets from 2008 to reduce the environmental impact of the retailing sector.
These targets, which have all been exceeded, included the Farming for the Future project by Marks & Spencer to work with suppliers to address sustainability challenges.
Peter Stirling, who grows sprouts and strawberries for M&S at Windyhills Farm, Auchmithie, by Arbroath, won an award for his commitment to innovation and extending the UK season.
He reduced his environmental impact and waste by investing in biomass boilers for his greenhouses and for innovative techniques to extend shelf life.
Recognition was also given to Asda’s partnership with FareShare to redistribute surplus food to charities and community projects instead of sending it to landfill.
SRC director David Lonsdale said: “The retail industry has a massive footprint and direct involvement in communities right across Scotland. With this comes a responsibility to operate in a sustainable way that ensures retailers can continue to serve those communities in the most responsible and efficient way possible.
“Our report establishes the retail industry in Scotland among the most climate-conscious industries and as a true global leader in reducing the environmental impacts of both their own direct operations and supporting change right along the supply chain.
“The key message from the retail sector is that we are rising to the challenge of climate change and are acting on our environmental responsibility with much success.”
This was being achieved without coercive action from government but because government is prepared to work in partnership, he added.