A spokeswoman for Group told the News: “The report ignores significant recent steps we have taken to reduce refrigerant leakages from our stores, which we cut by almost 30 per cent in 2009.
“We are currently upgrading our entire distribution network and robustly progressing the removal of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). Last year we opened a new HCFC-free Distribution Centre in the North East, which has been awarded an A-rated energy efficiency standard; progressed removal at another centre in the East Midlands and are progressing a third HCFC-free centre in the South.
“It would appear the main reason we have been rated badly is that this report falls into the trap of rewarding distant targets, and not hard-won improvements in performance. Our commitment to reducing emissions is clear, and, unlike some of the other retailers featured, we have openly disclosed our emissions data to the EIA.”
The report — Chilling Facts — said chemicals released by fridges account for 30 per cent of supermarkets’ direct emissions, yet only 0.5 of stores around the country have been fitted with greener equipment.
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