Sustainability Comparison

Tesco vs J Sainsbury Sustainability: SINK Score Comparison

J Sainsbury scores 3 points higher than Tesco 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
5/10
7/10
Energy Source
8/10
8/10
Nature & Biodiversity Impact
5/10
7/10
Resource Use & Waste
6/10
6/10
Water Impact
4/10
7/10
Targets & Commitments
8/10
8/10
Transparency & Accountability
8/10
7/10
Controversies & Red Flags
7/10
6/10
Frequently asked

Tesco vs J Sainsbury, answered.

Which is more sustainable, Tesco or J Sainsbury?

J Sainsbury is more sustainable according to SINK's open sustainability index, scoring 45/100 vs Tesco's 42/100 — a difference of 3 points.

What is Tesco's SINK sustainability score?

Tesco scores 42/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Tesco has credible operational carbon progress (65% Scope 1&2 reduction since 2015) and SBTi-validated net-zero targets, but Scope 3 — representing 90% of total emissions — shows no documented absolute decline. Water stewardship is unreported. Biodiversity assessment remains pilot-stage. Operational transparency is strong; supply chain footprint accountability is incomplete.

What is J Sainsbury's SINK sustainability score?

J Sainsbury scores 45/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Sainsbury's has achieved steep Scope 1+2 reductions (53% since 2018) and 100% renewable electricity, backed by SBTi validation. However, Scope 3 absolute progress remains opaque, and a 2019 Earthsight report tied the retailer to Amazon deforestation via JBS beef supply chains—a governance gap not yet fully closed.

How does SINK compare Tesco 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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