Sustainability Comparison

Tesco vs J Sainsbury Sustainability: SINK Score Comparison

J Sainsbury scores 12 points higher than Tesco on SINK's sustainability index.

Question-by-question

How each category compares

Category
Tesco
J
Carbon Footprint — Operations
7/10
8/10
Carbon Footprint — Supply Chain
5/10
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
7/10
8/10
Transparency & Accountability
7/10
7/10
Controversies & Red Flags
6/10
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 33/100 — a difference of 12 points.

What is Tesco's SINK sustainability score?

Tesco scores 33/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Tesco has achieved genuine operational decarbonization (65% Scope 1&2 reduction since 2015) and secured 100% renewable electricity via large corporate PPAs. However, Scope 3 emissions—representing 90% of its footprint—remain flat since 2020. Material supply chain failures include documented Amazon deforestation via Cargill soy and River Wye pollution from intensive chicken farming, both breaching stated commitments.

What is J Sainsbury's SINK sustainability score?

J Sainsbury scores 45/100 on the SINK sustainability index (Below expectations). Sainsbury's has cut operational emissions 52.8% since 2018 and switched to 100% renewable electricity, backed by SBTi validation. Scope 3 accountability lags: while targets exist, absolute reduction evidence is sparse. A 2019 deforestation link and unresolved supply chain traceability remain material weaknesses.

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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