CCFA presents proposal for low-carbon consumption at China Sustainable Consumption Roundtable
While notable changes in consumer behavior and consumption habits have been recently registered, also due to the covid-19 crisis, it is fundamental for the retail industry to consolidate its interest and commitment to low-carbon practices, explore new innovative and sustainable solutions, and effectively communicate and engage with consumers regarding sustainable consumption and lifestyle patterns.
On April 23rd, The China Chain Store & Franchise Association (CCFA) held the China Sustainable Consumption Roundtable Annual Working Conference in Hangzhou and officially presented its new initiative "Low-carbon consumption to help achieve the carbon peak, carbon neutral - 3060 target". The proposal was developed by CCFA in collaboration with its Roundtable member companies Starbucks, Wal-Mart China, Xibei, Xiabuxiabu, Decathlon, Gome, RT-Mart, Aeon, Carrefour, Rainbow, IKEA, C&A, Chaoshifa, Nanjing Xinjiekou Department Store, Fornet, Lianjia, Alibaba, McDonald's China, Chengdu Ito Yokado, Bianlifeng, 7-fresh, Lawson, Aldi, Meituan, China Resources Vanguard, Metro.
It aims at helping the attainment of the low-carbon development goal set by China, incentivizing the industry to shift to low-carbon consumption, and achieving the carbon peak and carbon neutral 3060 goal. The initiative stems from China’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 and reach carbon peak by 2030, as declared by President Xi Jinping during the UN General Assembly on September 22, 2020.
CCFA’s action proposal plans to follow the national ecological civilization construction strategic plan, consolidate the concept of low-carbon transformation development, promote the shift to sustainable market models and circular economy models, advocate low-carbon consumption, and better fulfil the corporate environmental and social responsibility.
The action plan has five key mechanisms of action:
- Improving resource and energy efficiency through the adoption of innovative technological solutions and exploring the use of green renewable energy and low-carbon practices.
- Promoting products and services with a low-carbon footprint, supporting sustainable production, fostering sustainable practices along the supply chain, and jointly promote the construction and development of low-carbon supply chain.
- Raising awareness on the concepts of energy conservation, emission reduction and circular economy; as well as promoting the reduction of single-use plastic products, food loss and waste.
- Strengthening the communication with consumers on sustainability information of goods and services.
- Strengthening CCFA’s collaboration with governments, NGOs, academic institutions, related industries, and other stakeholders, and exploring cross-sector cooperation and research.
CCFA will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to follow-up on this action plan and contribute towards low-carbon development and achievement of the 3060 target.
