Co-op report assured by Two Tomorrows

The Co-operative Group’s 2009 Sustainability Report has been independently assured by Two Tomorrows.

We found that The Co-operative, the world’s largest consumer co-operative, has maintained its commitment to sustainability in terms of the extent to which sustainability is integral to its business model and the transparency with which it reports on its sustainability impacts and programmes.

We carried out the assurance in accordance with AA1000AS (2008), evaluating The Co-operative’s adherence to the principles of inclusivity, materiality and responsiveness, and the reliability of specified sustainability performance information in the report.

This is the fourth year in succession that we have provided independent report assurance to The Co-operative.

Highlights of the report include:

• Fairtrade sales up 280% in three years. Last year, sales rose to £61 million.
• Greenhouse gas emissions down 21% since 2006.
• 1 billion less carrier bags: reduced by more than half in three years.
• Over £1bn bank finance declined that was in conflict with customer’s ethical concerns since 1992. At the same time lending has increased to £8bn.
• Assertive campaigning activity continued: The Co-operative became the first UK business to mobilise consumers to demonstrate in an environmental march. And following the success of its Marine Reserves Now! Campaign, the Marine and Coastal Access Bill became law.

There are two sections in the report – 'Water' and 'Inspiring young people' – that have not appeared in previous reports. The online version of the report invites stakeholder feedback on these issues. The online report also features a short film titled Ethics in Action about The Co-operative’s sustainability performance.

The report is consistent with a Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G3 application level of A+.

The Co-operative operates in the food retail, banking, insurance, pharmacy, funeral, travel and farming sectors. It employs 113,000 people, has over 5,000 retail outlets, and over five million members who can share in its profits and participate in its governance.

In 2009, it merged with Britannia building society and acquired the Somerfield supermarket chain. The Report details the performance of the enlarged business.

Co-operative Group 2009 sustainability report, including our assurance statement