Abel & Cole sustainability score: 56/100

Scope 1 and 2 measured since 2019 via Compare Your Footprint and Green Element, following GHG Protocol. 2020 baseline 3,065t CO₂e. 34% Scope 1 reduction since 2021. Data is consultant-assisted but self-reported, lacking independent third-party assurance.

Complete Scope 3 inventory including purchased goods, freight, packaging, commuting, water, waste, digital. 2020 baseline 37,426t CO₂e. Product-level LCA via Mondra across 87+ lines covering carbon, water, pollution, biodiversity. Supplier engagement via Soil Association Exchange and Future Farming Fund.

2022 reduced total emissions by 7,939t across scopes, Scope 1 down 34% since 2021. Scope 3 target is intensity-based (53.5% per tonne sold by 2030), not absolute — commitment only that S3 not exceed baseline. >90% of emissions in S3 structural reliance on intensity.

100% HGV fleet converted to HVO biofuel (90% lower CO₂ than diesel). 28% of vans HVO, electric vans being introduced with target of electric-only city centre deliveries by 2028. On-site solar panels planned. No confirmed renewable energy percentage or RE100 membership.

Core model built on organic farming supporting 30% more biodiversity than conventional. Eco-labels measuring biodiversity impact on 87+ products via Mondra. Suppliers avoid synthetic pesticides, use crop rotation, integrated pest management, plant edge habitats, restore wetlands. Farm-level assessments via Soil Association Exchange.

Returnable cardboard boxes, Club Zero refillables (~100 SKUs), customer plastic collection for specialist UK recycling, WoolCool reusable insulation. 75% less plastic than major supermarkets. 50% food waste reduction since 2021 via WRAP partnership. Unsold food redirected via charities or to animal feed/biogas.

Water tracking via Compare Your Footprint software. Water usage and pollution included in Mondra eco-labels. Organic farming reduces water pollution through synthetic fertiliser/pesticide avoidance. No specific consumption figures, reduction targets, or stewardship programmes publicly disclosed.

SBTi-validated near-term targets 2022: 50% absolute Scope 1&2 reduction by 2030 from 2020 baseline (aligned 1.5°C). Scope 3 target 53.5% intensity per tonne sold by 2030 — weaker commitment only pledging S3 absolute not exceed baseline. Carbon neutral via One Carbon World offsets supplementary to reduction.

B Corp certified (113.0 score, median 50.9). Annual Sustainability and 2022 Impact Reports. Dedicated Head of Sustainability, monthly board KPI scorecard, Sustainability and Ethics Advisor. Carbon methodology, targets, progress publicly disclosed via Compare Your Footprint. No shareholder climate votes or executive pay-sustainability links confirmed; TCFD/CSRD-level disclosure not confirmed.

March 2026: Foodrise and 22 organisations including Greenpeace Africa accused Abel & Cole of greenwashing over land-farmed salmon switch, claiming website misleadingly described it as 'trailblazing alternative' and 'even better solution'. Abel & Cole defended move away from open-net sea-farmed salmon on biodiversity/welfare grounds. No regulatory ruling; complaint unresolved.