To mark World Environment Day, METRO (My Market and METRO Cash & Carry) highlights its long-term strategic commitment to sustainable development and reducing its environmental footprint by investing in practices and initiatives that contribute to environmental protection.
A systematic approach to sustainability
As noted in the relevant announcement, the company remains committed to implementing international standards and continuously improving its environmental performance. Since 2019, it has annually certified its Energy Management System to the ISO 50001 standard, and since 2022, it has been calculating and certifying its total carbon footprint in accordance with ISO 14064-1.
At the same time, in 2024, it validated a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Plan based on ISO 14064-2, which relates to the use of photovoltaic systems and renewable energy sources, with the first verification scheduled for 2026. In addition, the company’s two largest facilities, the Distribution Center in Oinofyta and in Northern Greece, have now been certified under ISO 14001 for the Environmental Management System they implement.
Recycling, photovoltaics, and food rescue
The company’s investment in recycling and photovoltaics, implemented at My Market, METRO Cash & Carry, and its distribution centers yielded impressive results by 2025, contributing significantly to the conservation of natural resources and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. For example:
- Recycling 7,545 tons of paper packaging saved water equivalent to the annual consumption of 1,032 households.
- Energy production from photovoltaics prevented CO₂ emissions equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 3,279 households.
- 361,000 kWh of energy were saved through the recycling of iron and steel, an amount equivalent to the annual consumption of 96 households.
- Approximately 2,000 trees were saved thanks to reduced brochure production and paper savings.
- The release of 2 tons of CO₂eq was prevented by recycling 493 tons of plastic packaging, an amount equivalent to the emissions of an average gasoline-powered car traveling 8,000 kilometers.
- Through the anti-food waste program “Together We Feed Smiles, ” 305 tons of food were saved and converted into 2 million meals for socially vulnerable groups.
Through responsible actions, METRO continues to invest in initiatives that reduce its environmental footprint, reinforcing its commitment to society and the environment, the announcement concludes.