The Impact of Climate Action on the Financial Performance of Food, Grocery, and Supermarket Retailers in the UK

Olarewaju, Tolu; Dani, Samir; Obeng-Fosu, Collins; Olarewaju, Tayo; Jabbar, Abdul

Abstract

We examined the impact of climate action on the financial performance of eleven food, grocery, and supermarket retailers listed on the London Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2022. Our findings reveal a positive association between the climate mitigation efforts of these businesses and financial performance, particularly in terms of returns on assets (ROA). Through Ordinary Least Squares estimation, we identified that climate action practices such as renewable energy usage, waste reduction, adoption of energy-efficient technologies, eco-friendly packaging, and optimized transportation are significantly associated with the ROA of UK-based food, grocery, and supermarket retailers. This study is significant as these retailers often have extensive operations and supply chains that contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. It demonstrates that engaging in climate mitigation measures can still lead to a positive ROA.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 20, 2024
• Online Publication Date: Feb 21, 2024
• Publication Date: Feb 21, 2024
• Deposit Date: Feb 22, 2024
• Journal: Sustainability
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 5
• Article Number: 1785
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051785
• Keywords: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law; Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment; Geography, Planning and Development; Building and Construction
• Publisher URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/5/1785