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
RAM Call with Defra – Meeting Note
01 Apr 2025 - Member AccessArticle
BRC EUDR Workshop Outcomes - Supplier Questionnaire, BRC FAQs and next steps
01 Apr 2025 - Member AccessArticle
DESNZ | Member Discussion on Domestic Cooking Appliances
28 Mar 2025 - Article
Packaging EPR Regulations Update – Meeting Note
27 Mar 2025 - Briefing
Packaging EPR: RAM and Illustrative Base Fees Update
26 Mar 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
Plastic Packaging Tax Technical Working Group: Summary of discussions and request for feedback
25 Mar 2025 - Member AccessArticle
BRC | Roundtable with Children’s Magazine Publishers on Plastic Magazine Toys
25 Mar 2025 - Associate Insight
UK Green Taxonomy: What is it and what does it mean for retailer action on sustainability?
20 Mar 2025 - Member AccessBriefing
Circular Economy Update: March 2025
13 Mar 2025 - Member AccessBriefing
DRS for Wales: March Engagement Events
11 Mar 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 - EventLearning Programme
BRC Summer School 2025
10 June 2025Ashridge House, Berkhamsted - EventMasterclassLearning Programme
Maximising Performance through Belonging
14 May 2025The Form Rooms - EventWebinar
Why DEI Matters in Todays’ Climate
29 April 202513:00 - EventWebinar
Operationalising Carbon Accounting: Lessons Learned
29 April 202511:00Livestorm - Event
Ask The Expert: HVAC Decarbonisation with Mitsubishi Electric
25 April 202509:00Outlook Booking - EventRoundtable
Retailer Green Claims Forum: Unifying Marketing, Compliance and Sustainability Teams
24 April 202511:00Teams
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