Climate key figures 2023
Our very best for climate protection...
In accordance with the Paris Climate Agreement, we are committed to limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Our progress
Key figures on climate and energy
View our key figures to see the progress we are making with regard to climate and energy. Because saving energy, keeping transport routes as short and efficient as possible, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are our key objectives.
How we collect our data
The data for the key figures on climate, energy and transport are collected uniformly across the entire Migros Group using various tools. Invoices (direct invoices or utilities statements) and installed meters are the basis for data collection. In some cases, estimates are also made on the basis of empirical values using clearly defined methods. If necessary, the basic data is converted into the reported energy and emission values using standardised formulas. As data quality constantly improves over the years, this can also affect older data. Every year, we publish the best-quality data.
In 2019, the scope of the Migros Group companies and sites included was adjusted in accordance with the SBTi objectives. The 2020 to 2022 values were calculated in part using extrapolations and planned values.
Our figures can be converted into joules using the factor 1 kWh equals 3,600 kJ.
What we have achieved so far
Climate
To determine our CO₂ emissions, we convert all relevant greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions) into CO₂ equivalents (CO₂ eq) in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol). The conversion of GHG emissions into CO₂ equivalents is based on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) according to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2013). It is based on over 100 years of data. The emission factors are primarily taken from the DETEC life cycle assessment database DQRv2:2022 (KBOB, ecobau and IPB 2022). For direct combustion emissions, we used the emission factors according to Switzerland’s greenhouse gas inventory (FOEN 2022) where available.
We submitted our target for the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) in accordance with operational control. The starting point for our system boundaries is the consolidation scope (see Annual Report).
Emissions from our own operations (scope 1 & 2)
Emissions by energy source
Emissions by energy source (Migros Group, scope 1 & 2)
1 Emissions from the purchase of district heating are included as scope 1.
2 Owned vehicles (trucks, light commercial vehicles and cars).
3 Emissions for electricity (scope 2) are reported on a market basis.
4 From 2021, the entire Migros Group has committed to procuring only renewable electricity.Biogenic emissions
Biogenic emissions are calculated using the same input data as for scope 1 & 2. This includes wood, biogas, biofuel and biodiesel
Biogenic emissions (Migros Group)
Intensity of greenhouse gas emissions
To calculate the intensity quotient of GHG emissions, operational emissions (scope 1 & 2) are compared with sales (in CHF million). The emission values correspond to the chart “Emissions from operations (scope 1 & 2)” and also include category 8 of scope 3, as we apply the same rules for rented and owned space.
Intensity of greenhouse gas emissions by business segment
Emissions from refrigerants
Greenhouse gas potential from HFCs (Migros Group)
1 Stores, leisure facilities, operations centres, distribution centres and the Federation of Migros Cooperatives. Since 2021 incl. tegut...
2 Based on data from Denner (since 2021 incl. Denner Partner franchise concept) and Digitec GalaxusEmissions of ozone-depleting substances (Migros Group)
1 Consideration of KK_R22 and KK_R401A/B, converted into tonnes of CFC-11 eq. The conversion to tonnes of CFC-11 eq is based on the factors of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN 2019): “List of the most important substances and preparations that deplete the ozone layer, the import and export of which are subject to authorisation in accordance with Annex 1.4 ORRChem” or Annex 1 of the Montreal Protocol (as of May 2020).
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 & 2)
Target: by the end of 2030, the Migros Group will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in scope 1 & 2 by 70% compared to 2019.
Commentary on the target status at the end of 2023:
We did not manage to reach our interim target for reducing the entire Migros Group’s operational greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2023. However, consistent implementation of the measures known to us for Scope 1 and 2 will get us back on track. Among other things, these measures include replacing company vehicles powered by fossil fuels with electric vehicles.Target: by the end of 2030, we will reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in cooperative retail trading by 80% compared to 2019 in our own operations and logistics.
Comment on the target status at the end of 2023:
The interim targets for 2023 were narrowly missed, mainly due to exceptional refrigerant losses (accidents).
Emissions from upstream and downstream activities (scope 3)
We calculate the emissions in our supply chain (scope 3) in accordance with the requirements of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.
The Migros Group has used 2019 as the reference year for its reduction targets up to 2030 and for the target of net zero by 2050. The values were calculated and checked in collaboration with an external expert office (Intep).
In order to accurately measure our progress, we will adjust our baseline values in the event of a relevant change of +/-5%. The basis for this is the consolidation scope, which is reviewed annually. The first step is to check whether sales and purchases are significant on the basis of turnover (consolidated +/-5 per cent).
In addition, the baseline value will also be adjusted if the following adjustments also lead to significant changes in the baseline value (threshold: from +/-5%):
errors are found in the data basis
there are adjustments to the methodologies of the GHG Protocol
there are adjustments to the calculation methods
better basic data is available and data gaps have been closed
we get better access to primary data
Overview of emissions by category (scope 3)
Emissions broken down by category in scope 3 (Migros Group)
1 To measure the annual interim targets, transportation under own responsibility and all air transportation are reported separately. Under "own responsibility" means that a Migros Group company acts as a freight payer. Emissions from transportation under third-party responsibility are estimated based on the product range and indirectly addressed through supplier engagement.
2 Considered in Scope 1 & 2, which is why no value is shown here.
3 It is not possible to calculate the financed issues from the lending business and the assets managed by Migros Bank for 2023. The necessary data will be compiled in 2024 and will be included in the disclosure as far as possible. Further information can be found in the Migros Bank Sustainability Report.Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (scope 3)
Target: by the end of 2026, 67% of the Migros Group’s non-agricultural emissions (non-FLAG) from procured goods will be covered by science-based reduction targets set by our suppliers.
Comment on the target status at the end of 2023:
Due to the lack of quantitative targets, no status update is possible for 2023.
Target: by the end of 2030, we will reduce the Migros Group’s absolute scope 3 emissions in the “Upstream transport & distribution” category by 27.5% compared to 2019.Comment on the target status at the end of 2023:
To measure the annual interim targets, transport under own responsibility and all air transport are reported separately. Under "own responsibility" means that a Migros Group company acts as a freight payer. Emissions from transport under third-party responsibility are estimated on the basis of the product range and approached indirectly through the supplier commitment. Actual data was collected for the first time in 2023 and serves as a baseline for assessing target achievement. The final target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 27.5% remains unchanged.
Target: by the end of 2030, we will reduce the Migros Group’s absolute scope 3 emissions in the “Use of sold goods” category by 27.5% compared to 2019.
Target: by the end of 2026, 75% of non-agricultural emissions (non-FLAG) from procured goods in cooperative retailing will be covered by the science-based reduction targets of our suppliers.Comment on the target status at the end of 2023:
Since 2023, according to the SBTi, supplier engagement targets may only be defined for non-agricultural emissions. As suppliers with agricultural emissions (FLAG) were also included in the evaluation until 2022, the proportion of covered emissions in 2023 has fallen slightly. However, target achievement is still on track, as more suppliers have committed to SBTi than in the previous year.
An absolute SBTi target for agricultural emissions (Scope 3) was submitted in 2024 and will be published after the review.
Target: by the end of 2030, we will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from upstream and distribution transportation in cooperative retailing by 59.3% compared to 2019.Comment on the target status at the end of 2023:
10% more air transportation, a sales-related increase in road transportation and higher emission factors led to an increase in transportation emissions compared to the previous year.
Energy
How much energy do we consume every year? To determine this, we calculate our annual energy consumption by operating field and energy source. To calculate the energy intensity ratio, we compare our energy consumption with our sales.
Energy consumption
Energy consumption by operating field (Migros Group, 2023)
Energy consumption by type of energy source (Migros Group)
There is no exact data on the itemisation into non-renewable and renewable energy sources before 2021.
Energy consumption by energy source and fuel (Migros Group)
The values for electricity and heat also include cooling energy and steam. Our annual electricity production is around 10 GWh.
Reduction of energy consumption
Target: by the end of 2030, we will reduce our energy procurement by 10% compared to 2019.
Comment on the target status at the end of 2023:
The interim target for 2023 (-4.1% energy use) was exceeded thanks in particular to the consistent implementation of the efficiency principles and an ambitious photovoltaic strategy.
Energy intensity
To calculate the energy intensity ratio, energy consumption (according to the “Energy consumption by operating field” table) is compared with sales (in CHF million). The quotient only takes into account energy consumption within the organisation. The comparability of the data for the Migros Group with other retail companies is not specified due to the differing operating fields.
Energy intensity by operating field
Own photovoltaic plants
Output from photovoltaic plants (Migros Group)
Transport
Rail transport has a much better CO₂ footprint than transport by road. That is why we use rail transport whenever possible. In order to make road transport as environmentally friendly as possible, our ten regional cooperatives have their own fleets of low-emission vehicles – most of the 500 trucks comply with the latest EURO-6 emissions standard, as we want to continuously reduce our CO₂ emissions.
Transport of goods by rail
Transport of goods by rail (Migros Group)
In the 2023 reporting year, fewer goods were transported by rail than in 2022. This is due to the temporary closure of the route on the north-south axis (Gotthard Base Tunnel) and the shift of combined freight traffic to the road.
Transport with our own fleet of trucks
Nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions from our own goods transport by truck (Migros Group)
Nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions are calculated on the basis of mileage in accordance with the performance-related heavy vehicle tax (HVC) and the limit values per EURO standard. For other pollutants (SOx, persistent organic pollutants, volatile organic compounds and other hazardous air pollutants), the limit values are not applicable to all EURO standards. These are therefore not shown. Only the Migros cooperatives and the national distribution centres have their own truck fleets.
Dive deeper into the topic!
There are exciting stories behind the figures. Find out more about our commitment to climate and energy in our stories.
All Stories
M-Charge
Charge your car while shopping
Migros has more publicly accessible charging stations for electric cars than any other retailer in Switzerland. We’re also continually equipping more stores with e-charging stations in their car parks.
Logistics
Climate-friendly transport
On track with nature: our fleet of trucks is driving greener and we are transporting more and more goods via rail.
Mobility
Climate-friendly travel
Our employees are leading the way – climate-friendly mobility makes the difference.
Logistics and transportation
Why is asparagus transported by plane?
How Migros soon wants to stop flying in anything at all.
Hydrogen trucks
Bye-bye Diesel!
With three new hydrogen trucks in its fleet, Migros is further driving the reduction of CO2 in goods transport.
Climate-friendly branches
An energy-efficient future
Branches that generate more energy than they use: for us, that vision has already become a reality. we see climate-friendly branches as a case of doing the right thing.
Cultivation of the future
Eco-friendly greenhouses
We already pay attention to climate protection when growing our vegetables and fruits.
Sustainable travel
«Tourism can do a great deal of good, too»
Sustainable travel is important to many people, says Laura Meyer, CEO of ¬Hotelplan. She explains how this is possible – even if you want to travel longer distances.
Voluntary climate contribution
What actually happens to the climate contribution?
You can now pay a voluntary contribution for climate protection in selected stores. How the amount is calculated and where the money goes.
Sustainability
Underestimated climate protectors
Discover what wetlands can do, why they are endangered and how we can protect them.
A new kind of feed
How to make cows burp and fart less
While digesting, cows release methane, a gas that’s hazardous for the climate. We explain how this can change and how Migros is involved.
Myths about the climate
The dangers of having superficial knowledge about climate issues
When it comes to the climate, energy and environmental protection, everyone weighs in. But what is true and what is fake news? Questions are often too complex for simple answers, as our survey shows.
