Carrefour - 2017 Registration Document

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Combatting waste 2017 REGISTRATION DOCUMENT | CARREFOUR 2. 46 Combatting refrigerant-related waste Carrefour’s policy Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), particularly those used in refrigeration units, have several thousand times more global warming potential than natural refrigerants such as CO 2 . In line with the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), Carrefour is committed to eliminating the use of hydrofluorocarbons by 2025. Cooling systems (refrigerators operating at 0°C to 8°C and freezers at -18°C) form the Group’s largest source of energy consumption and of greenhouse gas emissions from stores. Refrigerant leakage accounts for almost 40% of Group emissions and is therefore one of the most important challenges faced by Carrefour on this point. The Carrefour group is taking steps in two areas to reduce this source of waste: prevent and limit leaks by stepping up the maintenance of its 1. equipment and keeping it as leak-free as possible in all countries of operation; systematically examine the most appropriate solution when 2. refrigeration systems are replaced. Carrefour is phasing in hybrid and 100% natural low-energy refrigeration systems, which have low warming potential and lower power consumption. While these systems use less refrigerant and reduce energy consumption by 10% to 20%, they do require additional investment. Following a technical feasibility analysis, these technologies are being adopted for all cooling and refrigeration units. Carrefour’s performance The substantial 37.6% reduction at end-2017 has been achieved through a combination of all the efforts made in refrigeration, including the detection of refrigerant leaks, maintenance initiatives and the low overall warming potential of the refrigerants used in new solutions. Though the downward trend continued in most of the countries where Carrefour operates, 2017 saw a high incidence of technical problems, mainly in France, largely arising from isolated instances of major leakages and defective cooling unit batteries. % change in refrigerant-related CO 2 emissions per sq.m. compared with 2010* 2017 2016 Change TOTAL (37.6) (41.1) -3.5 points Scope: Like-for-like BUs (87% of 2017 consolidated sales excl. VAT) – excluding: HM: AT/SM: AR. * 2010 data restated. In 2017, 200 stores were equipped with all-natural refrigerants in Carrefour’s countries of operation. In total, 455 stores are currently equipped with these new technologies, all-natural refrigerants and hybrid systems combined. Number of stores equipped with hybrid or all-natural refrigerant system 2017 2016 Change All-natural refrigerants (HFC- or HCFC*-free) 200 146 +37.0% Hybrid (a mix of HFC and natural refrigerants) 255 202 +26.2% TOTAL 455 348 +30.7% Hydrochlorofluorocarbons. * Quantity of refrigerants refilled after leaks (in kg/1,000 sq.m. of sales area) 2017 2016 Change TOTAL 37.2 34.1 +9.1% Scope: Like-for-like BUs (87% of 2017 consolidated sales excl. VAT) – excluding: HM: AT/SM: AR. Highlights The NGO EIA (Environmental Investigation Agency) named Carrefour Green Cooling Leader for its commitment to developing alternatives to HFC in cooling systems (1) . Following similar operations in Spain and Brazil, in 2017 Carrefour Argentina tested the application of CO 2 cooling systems designed for use in hot climates. At a new store in France, Carrefour set up a CO 2 -based system meeting all the site’s cooling, heating, air conditioning, dehumidification and hot water needs. This brings reductions in emission levels, energy consumption and maintenance costs. “Chilling Facts VII: Are Europe’s supermarkets ready to quit HFCs?”, Environmental Investigation Agency, June 2017. (1)