What is the Data & Reporting Pathway?
To achieve decarbonisation, retailers need to fully understand, measure and report on the sources of greenhouse gas emissions across their value chain.
Measuring and reporting is essential for setting public decarbonisation commitments and establishing business transition plans, and to embed into corporate decision-making that prioritises and targets major emissions hotspots.
However, the diversity and complexity of retail supply chains poses issues in obtaining timely and transparent emissions data from suppliers. Proactive engagement with suppliers to understand, measure and take action on emissions hotspots is essential for decarbonising supply chains.
One of the most effective tools for embedding carbon-based decision-making is the introduction of an internal price on carbon. Alternatively, when viable efforts to decarbonise have been exhausted, there will likely be residual emissions which, to achieve net zero, will require carbon removals or other offsets.
In order to understand the nature and scale of carbon reductions required, it is vital that retailers are first able to measure and report on greenhouse gas emissions across their value chain.
Data & Reporting Pathway Guidance


Data & Reporting Pathway Milestones Summary
2025
- Retailer greenhouse gas measurement and public reporting.
- Top suppliers committed to net zero and/or science based targets.
- Tier 1 manufacturing greenhouse gas data provided by top suppliers.
- Internal cost of carbon adopted.
2030
- Product greenhouse gas data provided by top suppliers.
- Increase in the 'cost per tonne' of internal carbon price.
Data & Reporting Pathway Actions Summary
For Retailers
Short term priorities
- Undertake a comprehensive carbon footprint of the retail value chain.
- Set ambitious targets for decarbonisation.
- Work with suppliers.
- Actively participate in sectoral and other external initiatives.
Longer term transformations
- Adopt an internal carbon price.
- Consider carbon offsetting and removals.
For Government
- Develop consistent carbon accounting and greenhouse gas pricing frameworks.
- Provide clear policy direction and support for carbon removals.
- Apply international pressure for climate action.
For BRC
- Embed the Climate Action Roadmap within the industry.
- Coordinate greenhouse gas data programmes for retailers.
- Define standards for the industry’s approach to offsetting.
Contact our programme manager
Tracey Banks
Climate Action Programme Manager | BRC
Tracey leads our work under the Climate Action Roadmap, coordinates signatories’ work under each pathway and engagement with the key partners.
Content & Resources
- Member AccessMeeting Note
EUDR Sprint Group – May 2025: Meeting note
03 Jun 2025 - Member AccessConsultation
SBTi Corporate Net Zero Standard V2 Public Consultation: Final BRC Submission
03 Jun 2025 - Member AccessArticle
EPR Accounting Meeting with Defra
30 May 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
DRS: May Update Meeting Note
30 May 2025 - Associate Insight
Inspired facilitate five UK co-operatives to sign a 10-year CPPA
29 May 2025 - Member AccessArticle
EEE Ministerial Roundtable Highlights
21 May 2025 - Member AccessArticle
Meeting note on Circular Economy Taskforce's plans for Agrifood
21 May 2025 - Article
Nature Strategy & Reporting Roundtable – Key takeaways and next steps
20 May 2025 - Meeting Note
Retailer Green Claims Forum Q2 2025: Unifying Marketing, Compliance and Sustainability Teams – Summary
15 May 2025 - Associate Insight
How AI is transforming product experiences
09 May 2025
On-demand Webinars
- On demand
BRC Climate Action Roadmap 2025 Programme Update
03 Apr 2025 - On demand
Carbon removals accounting: core rules and requirements explained
13 Mar 2025 - On demand
Part 2: Leading People: A People-Centric Approach
27 Feb 2025 - On demand
Part 1: Leading From Within: Self Mastery
12 Feb 2025 - On demand
Sustainable choices to trusted claims: Engaging with the conscious consumer
26 Nov 2024 - On demand
Nature and biodiversity for retailers: an introduction
16 Oct 2024 - On demand
Mastering Green Claims: Essential Insights for Retail Leaders
02 Oct 2024 - On demand
Net Zero Playbook: The Informed Tenant
01 Oct 2024 - On demand
Greening Your Supply Chain: Strategies for Difficult Categories
01 Oct 2024 - On demand
Carbon Removals and the Road to Net Zero
30 Sep 2024
Upcoming Events
- EventMasterclassLearning Programme
Sustainability Masterclass: Developing and delivering your strategy
07 October 202509:00The Form Rooms - EventMasterclassLearning Programme
Nature & Business Masterclass: Harnessing nature to deliver sustainable growth
11 September 202509:00The Form Rooms - EventRoundtable
Making the Case for Retrofitting in Retail
08 July 202510:30The Form Rooms, Covent Garden - EventWebinar
Understanding Nature Reporting: Online workshop for textiles retailers
07 July 202514:00 - Event
Retail Action on Net Zero: How to mobilise and accelerate internally
25 June 202507:45Carbon Trust, 255 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 9AX - EventExternal EventIn Person
Environmental Packaging Summit - 24-25 June 2025
24 June 202509:00The Kia Oval, London - EventExternal EventIn Person
ESG Evolve roundtable for Retail and Consumer Leaders
18 June 202508:30RPC London, Tower Bridge House, St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1AA - Event
Food Retailer Net Zero Group Q2 25
12 June 202514:00Teams - EventExternal EventIn Person
Charity Legal Forum
12 June 202512:00CitizenM Tower of London Hotel - Event
Textiles Retailer Net Zero Group Q2 25
10 June 202514:00Teams
Become a member, join a community
Our communities are exclusively for our members. Joining is easier and cheaper than you might think. We have 3 types of membership: Retailer, Associate and Trade Association.