Planet

Reducing our greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030​

We are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from our own operations and across our value chain. Our near-term targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), in line with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. In 2025, we raised our reduction target for scope 1 and 2 emissions from 60% to 75% by 2030 compared with our 2021 baseline. This target covers emissions from our own operations, which come from energy use in our stores and distribution centres, as well as from transporting products between the two. Scope 1 and 2 emissions are an important part of Action’s energy and emission reduction strategy. ​This strategy has helped reduce emissions from our own operations by more than 55% since 2021, even as our network of stores and distribution centres has continued to grow. This keeps us on track to achieve our 2030 target.

Our stores

  • All Action stores are now gas-free and use renewable electricity instead.*
  • 90% of electricity for our stores now comes from renewable energy .
  • Energy-efficient LED lighting in 100% of our stores, distribution centres and offices.
    *A small number of stores use externally provided heating (e.g., district heating). For these stores, it is unknown what the energy source of heating is.

Our transportation

  • Our innovative double-decker trucks can carry 60% more freight than conventional trucks.​
  • Action’s own trucks in the Netherlands now use hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO 100) – a renewable diesel that reduces emissions by up to 90% compared with conventional diesel. Switching to these trucks reduces emissions from transport between our distribution centres and stores. ​
  • We’re currently piloting the use of fully electric trucks in the Netherlands and Germany.

Our distribution centres

  • We run our distribution centres in an energy efficient manner. In and around the centres, we use electric vehicles and equipment to limit greenhouse gas emissions and reduce noise and exhaust levels. Our distribution centres are fitted with LED lights and light sensors, reducing energy consumption. We conduct regular audits to identify further energy savings.
  • As we move away from gas to heat our stores and DCs, and gradually switch to electric trucks, our electricity consumption is expected to increase. We are, therefore, also focusing on energy efficiency. Smart meters, sensors and building management systems are helping us optimise our electricity consumption.
  • We have solar panels at 7 Action distribution centres across Europe, increasing our access to cleaner, renewable energy and reducing our reliance on often congested electricity grids.​
  • Our distribution centres are built according to the latest BREEAM environmental standards. Under BREEAM, Action’s new centre at Illescas in Spain has been certified Outstanding – Illescas will become a blueprint for all future Action distribution centres.​
  • Where we rent distribution centres, we engage with landlords to increase renewable energy use, if possible. Around 90% of our electricity consumption now comes from clean, renewable sources. ​

Cooperating with our supply chain

Even as we continue these efforts regarding our own operations, we recognise that over 99% of Action’s GHG emissions originate from our wider value chain. As we have grown in recent years, so have these GHG emissions. These indirect emissions, commonly known as scope 3 emissions, occur at manufacturing and in transporting our products, and through customer use and waste disposal.

In 2025, we began working with our suppliers on climate action. As a first step, we are engaging with our suppliers to set science-based targets. Our objective is that by 2029, suppliers representing 80% of our scope 3 emissions will have set science-based targets. To achieve this, we will be working closely with suppliers, providing guidance and support where possible.  End 2025, 15% had validated science-based emissions targets.

Managing our waste streams

Recycling

We recycle cardboard and plastic from our stores and distribution centres. At the distribution centres, we compress these materials to reduce transport needs and CO₂ emissions, and the bales meet recycling facility standards.

We also process damaged and returned products to prevent waste, and we sort other waste streams for separate recycling. Store materials are reused or recycled, and customers can dispose of used batteries, light bulbs and small electrical items with us.

During store refurbishments, expansions or relocations, we dismantle, sort and store racking for reuse or recycling, and update checkouts to meet current format standards.

Prevent plastic use

We save an estimated 30% of plastic by stretch-wrapping only the upper part of our roll containers.
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Partners

We are partnering with our ocean carriers (the most sustainable form of transport) to reduce the environmental impact of shipping products from suppliers in Asia to Action DCs in Europe.

Since 2023, we have been sourcing certified biofuels for some of the fuel our ocean shipments consume. These biofuels offer a renewable, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. In 2025, 50% of our containers for direct import were shipped with biofuels, bringing the total emissions saved (compared to using standard fossil fuels) to 50k tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2025.