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
- Blog
Environmental Packaging Summit | Tomorrow’s packaging powerhouse: Future-proof, sustainable, unmissable
23 Jun 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
Minister Meeting: Circular Economy
20 Jun 2025 - Article
The Four Lenses in Retail Leadership: Working Through the Friction
19 Jun 2025 - Associate Insight
ESG Evolve for Retail and Consumer Brands leaders
19 Jun 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
Textiles Retailer Net Zero Group: Q2 2025 – Meeting note
19 Jun 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
Food Retailer Net Zero Group: Q2 2025 – Meeting note
19 Jun 2025 - Member AccessBriefing
EPR Ministerial Roundtable on Dual Use Packaging
11 Jun 2025 - Member AccessArticle
EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations (PPWR): Summary of updates on application to NI
09 Jun 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
Circular Economy Update: June 2025
06 Jun 2025 - Member AccessMeeting Note
Packaging EPR Member’s Call: May 2025 – Meeting note
06 Jun 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
Tue 7 October09:00The Form Rooms - EventMasterclassLearning Programme
How to Integrate Nature into your Sustainability Strategy
Thu 11 September09:00The Form Rooms - Event
Finance & The Scope 3 Data Challenge
Tue 22 July10:00 - 11:00Livestorm - EventRoundtable
Net Zero Retailer Logistics ThinkTank #1
Thu 17 July10:00The Form Rooms, Covent Garden - EventRoundtable
Making the Case for Retrofitting in Retail
Tue 8 July10:30The Form Rooms, Covent Garden - EventWebinar
Understanding Nature Reporting: Online workshop for textiles retailers
Mon 7 July14:00 - Event
1-1 Expert Clinics on Energy with Amber
Mon 7 - Wed 9 Jul09:00 - 17:00Online | MS Teams - EventIn Person
BRC Roundtable on MHREDD
Wed 2 July11:0022 Tower Street, London WC2H 9NS - Event
Food Waste and the Circular Economy
Mon 30 June10:00The Form Rooms, 22 Tower Street, London, WC2H 9NS - Event
Retail Action on Net Zero: How to mobilise and accelerate internally
Wed 25 June07:45Carbon Trust, 255 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 9AX
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