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For the tomorrow of
our Planet

-26.4% of our own GHG emissions (scope 1+2) between 2018 and 2021
+66.9% of electric power produced by our own photovoltaic centrals
83.6% Valorisation rate of residues (+8pp compared to 2020)

Our vision

We are aware of the many and complex challenges that the Planet faces to ensure it has a tomorrow: from the climate emergency to the biodiversity crisis, from the unsustainable use of resources to the rise in pollution levels, many signs reveal the fragility of the ecosystems. Over the years, we have consistently and continuously invested in more efficient use of resources, optimising water and energy consumption, and minimising Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions without neglecting appropriate waste management.

Intending to ensure the decarbonisation of our operations by 2040, we have committed to the intermediate target of reducing our own GHG emissions (scope 1+2) by 55% by 2030 (compared to 2018 figures).

Performance

In 2021, MC accounted for total energy consumption of 2,042,906 GJ. Electricity accounts for 77.5% of this consumption. Our electricity production from renewable sources (photovoltaic central power stations) increased 66.9% in the last year, and 76.4% of energy produced is channelled towards self-consumption.

Regarding the profile of own GHG emissions 69.0% is associated with electricity consumption and 31.0% to fuel consumption and leakage of fluorinated gases. Considering the reduction target set for 2030, we recorded a reduction of 26.4% compared to 2018, which translates into an average decrease of 8.8%.

In 2021, MC managed 72,734 tons worth of waste, corresponding to a 0.9% increase compared to 2020. We recorded an increase in the recovery rate of waste produced to 83.6% (+8pp compared to 2020).

Energy consumption by source (GJ)
201920202021
Fossil fuels - fleet565,499487,849425,063
Fossil fuels - installations33,95927,69934,747
Electricity consumption1,494,9451,514,0091,583,096
Total2,094,4032,029,5572,042,906
Renewable energy production (GJ)
201920202021
Produced and consumed23,77841,75286,238
Produced and sold27,16125,86426,621
Total50,93967,616112,859
Total GHG emissions by scope (ton CO2e)
201920202021
Scope 152,16354,16149,452
Scope 2119,46387,082110,861
Scope 38,8387,7129,673
Total GHG emissions180,464148,954169,986

Initiatives

Investment in own renewable energy generation capacity Learn more
Establishment of the 1st Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) Learn more
Increase in the number of Plug & Charge stations Learn more
Fleet Electrification Learn more
Fleet Emissions Offset Learn more
Refurbish refrigeration plants Learn more
Deposit and Reimbursement System Preparation Learn more
«Green cork» Learn more
«Recycle to surf» Learn more

Investment in own renewable energy generation capacity

The decarbonisation of our energy matrix, through the production of electricity effectively produced from renewable sources, was one of the axes of our “2030 Roadmap” that underwent a more significant boost in 2021: we ended the year with 214 operational plants installed, which represents an additional 25 new plants, and a photovoltaic park with an installed capacity of circa 26.9 MWp.

Establishment of the 1st Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)

In tandem with the investment made in our renewable energy production capacity, via Elergone Energia, we entered into a long-term agreement (PPA offsite) to purchase circa 100 gigawatts-hour (GWh) of renewable energy per year from Shell Energy Europe Limited.

This is a significant milestone that will in itself ensure that approximately 20% of our electricity consumption will come from renewable sources. This investment which took effect from 1st October 2021, allowed for a reduction of 12,621 tonne CO2e compared to the potential emission if this option were not included.

Fleet Emissions Offset

Over the next ten years, alongside the various Sonae companies, “Floresta Sonae” (Sonae Forest) will reforest over 1,100 hectares to offset the emissions associated with the consumption of fossil fuels by our light vehicle fleets. In 2021 MC secured the necessary funding to reforest circa 35 hectares.

Fleet Electrification

In addition to expanding the “Continente Plug & Charge” network, in 2021, we stepped up the pace of electrifying our company car fleet.

Supported by the installed network, we carried out a task to characterise the usage profiles of our Workforce (number of kilometres travelled per day, the identification of pre-defined routes, frequency of longer journeys, among other parameters). This enabled us to identify a group comprised of 45 vehicles that were reaching the end of their contract and hence could be replaced by 100% electric options.

We will proceed with this programme in 2022, accelerating our pathway towards decarbonisation!

Refurbish refrigeration plants

We emphasise improving the efficiency of our cold production facilities whilst not overlooking the problematic use of fluorinated gases (F-gases).

In 2021, we remained on track with our efforts developed in the past years to implement alternative solutions to those commonly used regarding the use of refrigerant gases. The aim was to drastically reduce or even completely eradicate the use of high GWP (Global Warming Potential) gases.

Most of the cold production systems in all our new stores run on "natural gases", in other words, gases with a GWP of 5 or less, such as R290, R744, and R717.

With regards to the existing store network, we implemented a replacement programme: (i) use of F-Gases when the refrigerating equipment still has a reasonable lifespan; (ii) completely replacing cold service systems (with new equipment), i.e. solely using "natural gases".

In 2021 we eliminated the use of R427a and recorded a 44% reduction in the use of R404 gas.