Sustainability in retail
Promoting change
The retail sector is pivotal in driving the transition to a sustainable economy and influencing consumer behaviour. However, it also faces significant sustainability challenges, from carbon emissions in supply chains to waste management issues.
Retail operations account for approximately 10% of global carbon emissions, with the fashion industry alone responsible for 4-8%. As consumer demand for sustainable products grows, so does the need for retailers to adopt greener practices.
By implementing energy-efficient technologies and sustainable sourcing, the retail sector can significantly reduce its environmental impact. In fact, studies show that incorporating these practices can cut carbon emissions by up to 30%. Despite these potential improvements, rapid and comprehensive changes are essential for the retail industry to meet global sustainability targets.
Retail case studies
Retail insights
Meet our specialist consultants for retail sustainability
Camila Buhler
Client Strategies Partner
Camila helps organisations navigate sustainability challenges and identify practical pathways to create long-term value for their business, stakeholders and the environment. As Client Strategies Partner at Simply Sustainable, she works closely with companies to understand their sustainability ambitions, compliance requirements and strategic priorities, connecting them with the expertise and support needed to progress their sustainability journey.
Camila holds a Master’s degree in Business Strategy and executive qualifications in Sustainable Business and Net Zero from the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Prior to joining Simply Sustainable, she built her career in Big Four consulting, leading digital transformation and business change initiatives across a range of industries. Based in Amsterdam, she brings a strong interest in the intersection of sustainability, innovation, data and technology, alongside hands-on experience developing sustainability solutions within the hospitality sector.
Passionate about creating positive impact for people and planet, Camila is particularly interested in how innovation and responsible AI can help organisations accelerate sustainability progress, drive meaningful change and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth.
Will Bourns
Solutions Manager – Impacts and Dependencies
Will is the Solutions Manager for the Impacts and Dependencies team at Simply Sustainable. He leads the team supporting clients in developing understanding of the risk and quantifying impact on the society and environment. This ranges from initial carbon footprints to deep dives into specific commodities and dependencies on communities and ecosystems.
Will has experience across a range of sectors from financial institutions to food manufacturers and retailers. His expertise includes carbon footprinting, social value and quantifying the impact of land conversion and deforestation and utilising this data to inform business decisions relating to procurement of goods and future investments.
Will studied Zoology and Natural Sciences at the University of Liverpool and since graduating Will expanded his knowledge through memberships at PIEMA and EI.