The role of business in developing and delivering an ecosystem approach Valuing our life support systems: 29 April 2009 Natural Capital Initiative Symposium Lucy Neville-Rolfe Executive Director Corporate & Legal Affairs Tesco Plc

What I will cover Importance of ecosystems The role of food retailing: Tesco’s perspective Our approach

There are lessons from history Ecosystem failures have led to: Fall of Chinese dynasties Mass migration Widespread disease outbreaks Sustainable development: development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Bruntland 1987)

Healthy ecosystems underpin the sustainability of our business Our supply chains depend on it….… so do our customers and staff

… and customers expect us to play our part and to help them play their part too TOP 5 OF 150 REASONS WHY CUSTOMERS CHOOSE A STORE 1.Price 2.Range 3.Availability 4.Acts in an environmentally friendly way 5.Ease of getting around the store Source: Brand review

Our role: to integrate sustainability into the DNA of the business Actively supporting local communities Buying and selling our products responsibly Caring for the environment Giving customers healthy choices Creating good jobs and careers

Our approach Emissions reductions Customer empowerment Research and partnerships AreaTargets New storesCut emissions from new stores by average of 50% by 2020 Existing stores Cut emissions from existing buildings by 50% by 2020 DistributionCut emissions per case in our distribution fleet by 50% by 2012 Sustainable Consumption Institute at University of Manchester and Dairy Centre of Excellence at University of Liverpool

What could Government do to help business? Invest in R&D Reform the planning system to enable a greater use of renewables Create the right fiscal and regulatory framework

Conclusions Healthy ecosystems are critical to a healthy business Research and innovation is needed We need to work together