Sustainability Comparison

Tesco PLC vs J Sainsbury Sustainability: SINK Score Comparison

J Sainsbury scores 10 points higher than Tesco PLC on SINK's sustainability index.

Question-by-question

How each category compares

Category
Tesco
J
Carbon Footprint — Operations
8/10
8/10
Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain
6/10
7/10
Emissions Trajectory
6/10
7/10
Energy Source
8/10
8/10
Nature & Biodiversity Impact
4/10
7/10
Resource Use & Waste
6/10
6/10
Water Impact
3/10
7/10
Targets & Commitments
8/10
8/10
Transparency & Accountability
7/10
7/10
Controversies & Red Flags
4/10
5/10
Frequently asked

Tesco PLC vs J Sainsbury, answered.

Which is more sustainable, Tesco PLC or J Sainsbury?

J Sainsbury is more sustainable according to SINK's open sustainability index, scoring 44/100 vs Tesco PLC's 34/100 — a difference of 10 points.

What is Tesco PLC's SINK sustainability score?

Tesco PLC scores 34/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Tesco has decarbonized operations fast (65% Scope 1&2 reduction) and reached 100% renewable electricity a decade early. But 90% of its 59-million-tonne footprint sits in Scope 3—which hasn't fallen. Supply chain harms are documented: Amazon deforestation via Cargill soy, River Wye pollution from poultry units, and a shelved WWF report. Targets are science-backed but physical impact lags ambition.

What is J Sainsbury's SINK sustainability score?

J Sainsbury scores 44/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Sainsbury's has delivered a 52.8% absolute Scope 1+2 reduction since 2019 and secured 100% renewable electricity since 2022, backed by SBTi validation and a decade of CDP A ratings. However, Scope 3 remains 96% of emissions with limited evidence of absolute reduction, and animal welfare breaches in supply chains signal governance gaps that offset otherwise solid environmental performance.

How does SINK compare Tesco PLC and J Sainsbury?

Both companies are rated on the same 10-question SINK rubric: Scope 1/2/3 carbon footprint, energy source, nature and biodiversity, resource use, water, emissions trajectory, science-based targets, transparency, and controversies. Scores are 0–100, based on public data, and fully reproducible.

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