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 AccessBriefing
Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR): Dual-use packaging update
28 Aug 2025 - Member AccessNews
BRC Autumn Budget 2025 submission
28 Aug 2025 - Member AccessBriefing
Packaging Wrap-Up #2 - August 2025
26 Aug 2025 - Associate Insight
IMHX - The UK’ Largest Logistics Event Makes Its Anticipated Return
26 Aug 2025 - Member AccessConsultation
Consultation on Deposit Return Scheme: Reuse in Wales
22 Aug 2025 - Member AccessConsultation
Packaging EPR Impact Survey
20 Aug 2025 - Member AccessBriefing
Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO): August 2025 Briefing
19 Aug 2025 - Member AccessBriefing
Circular Economy Strategy: Summary of BRC engagement
15 Aug 2025 - Member AccessArticle
Simpler Recycling: Defra Monthly Workshops & Request for Feedback
14 Aug 2025 - Blog
From Carbon to Nature: Evolving Your Retail Sustainability Approach
12 Aug 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
- EventExternal EventRoundtable
Breakfast Roundtable - AI First, Fashion Forward
Wed 22 October08:30 - 11:00The Form Rooms, Covent Garden - EventRoundtableReception
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 - EventWebinar
Sustainable Sourcing in Retail: Member Insights & Innovations
Mon 6 October14:00 - 15:00Livestorm - EventWebinar
Sustainable Logistics is a Strategic Necessity
Mon 6 October11:00 - 12:00Livestorm - EventRoundtable
Planning for Nature: Breakfast Briefing
Wed 24 September09:00 - 11:30The Form Rooms, Covent Garden
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