Can Tesco Save the World? Or another example of ‘Greenwash’?

Environmentalism probably emerged as the most discussed political topic of the noughties, topping world poverty, recession, transport and terrorism. Firms and politicians have scrambled to respond with statements and policies that latch on to this trend. How much is serious and valid, how much is hype, and how much is ‘greenwash’? This week’s Panorama was great: it tackled the question head on.

Hopefully one thing the programme can do for you is to abolish the bleak ‘we are doomed’ strand of environmentalism. In the case of possible man-made global warming, more and more companies, communities and individuals now see moving to a low carbon economy as an opportunity not a threat. It is achievable and it is making people money - not miserable.

Check it out on iPlayer here.

The programme spends about 15 minutes on Tesco, who have the targets of an impressive 80% cut in carbon emissions overall and to cut energy use by half in a decade. What makes this especially interesting is that the business is not necessarily focussing on this for the PR (public relations) angle - but is seeking to save massive amounts of money and thereby boost profits.

It has already dropped four million truck miles per year by shunting more goods on to trains. Even the government’s former chief scientific adviser said he thinks the company has put real money behind reducing carbon in its products and is offering shoppers greener choices. This, of course, will do nothing to silence Tesco’s critics, who would point to the killing off of local shops, harsh handling of suppliers and low-cost food driving down environmental standards on farms.

Having dealt with Tesco, the programme goes on to look at other ways of going green and making money from the savings to be made.

According to the CBI, all this low-carbon business is now worth £100bn to the British economy and globally this sector is estimated to be worth more than defence and aerospace combined.