Sir: I was very disappointed with the ranking given to Morrisons in your ‘Green Giants?’ feature in your Green Issue. It would appear to contradict the view of the Carbon Trust, the ENDS Carbon FTSE CDP Index, Green and Cooling Industry Awards to name a few over recent years.

We received criticism for ‘the strength of [our] 2007 targets and progress’. At that time, we were the first UK supermarket to receive the Carbon Trust Standard for effective emissions management. We have achieved the relevant targets in 2010/11.

Subsequently, we set new KPIs and a very challenging ‘absolute’ carbon emissions target that other food retailers have subsequently followed. Your review misinterpreted our original ‘cumulative’ target and incorrectly concluded we had not achieved it.

Another key point is that our reduction programme applies across our vertically integrated supply chain. We believe this means that overall we are able to achieve a greater impact.

The quality of our data was also challenged. Our most recent corporate responsibility report publishes detailed information on emissions and waste. It was verified by external consultants Two Tomorrows through a full ‘assurance’ process in accordance with AA1000AS (2008). We are the first of the big four to undertake detailed independent assurance in this way.

Martyn Jones, group corporate services director, Morrisons

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