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
Plastic Packaging Tax: HMT/HMRC Meeting Note
08 Aug 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
Deposit Return Scheme: HMT/HMRC meeting on VAT
07 Aug 2025 - Member AccessConsultation
DBT & DESNZ Consultations: Sustainability Reporting, Assurance, and Transition Plans
07 Aug 2025 - Member AccessBriefing
Deposit Return Scheme: Wales Update
06 Aug 2025 - News
Producer Responsibility Organisation: Expression of Interest
04 Aug 2025 - Member AccessArticle
Update on Welsh Government Proposals on DRS July 2025
01 Aug 2025 - Associate Insight
IMHX 2025 Conference: Smart Tech, Safety, and Sustainability Take Centre Stage
30 Jul 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
BRC Mandatory Human Rights & Environmental Due Diligence Roundtable – Meeting Note
28 Jul 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
BRC Meeting on Circular Economy Taskforce Food Waste Proposals
28 Jul 2025 - Meeting Note
London Climate Action Week 2025: Retail Action on Net Zero Breakfast – Summary & Takeaways
23 Jul 2025
On-demand Webinars
- On demandWebinar
Finance & The Scope 3 Data Challenge
22 Jul 2025 - 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
Upcoming Events
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BRC Climate Action Week: Drinks Reception and Keynote Address
Thu 9 October18:00 - 20:00The Form Rooms - EventRoundtableReception
CEO Exchange Forum: Future-Fit Customer Experience
Thu 9 October15:00 - 18:00The Form Rooms - EventWebinar
Net Zero 2025 Check-In: UK Retail’s Decarbonisation Progress
Wed 8 October14:00 - 15:00Livestorm - EventWebinar
How Internal Carbon Pricing Drives Climate Action - A Practical Guide
Tue 7 October14:00 - 15:00Livestorm - Event
Smarter Retail HVAC Retrofits: How to Cut Costs, Carbon, and Complexity
Tue 7 October11:00 - 12:00Livestorm - EventMasterclassLearning Programme
Sustainability Masterclass
Tue 7 October09:30 - 16:30The Form Rooms - EventCommunity Meeting
Textiles Retailer Net Zero Group Q3 2025
Thu 18 September14:00 - 15:00Teams - EventWebinar
Ask The Expert: HVAC Decarbonisation with Mitsubishi Electric
Mon 15 - Fri 19 Sep09:00 - 17:00Outlook Booking - EventMasterclassLearning Programme
How to Integrate Nature into your Sustainability Strategy
Thu 11 September09:00 - 17:00The Form Rooms - EventRoundtable
Net Zero Retailer Logistics ThinkTank #1
Tue 9 September10:00 - 11:30Teams
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