Distribution et bâtiments
Context and challenges
The retail sector, a pillar of the global economy, is now facing major environmental challenges, particularly in terms of climate, water, biodiversity and land use change. Its heavy reliance on energy for store operations, logistics and distribution makes it one of the most carbon-intensive sectors. Water management is another crucial issue. Retail, through its demand for agricultural and manufactured products, contributes indirectly to water consumption and pollution during the production of raw materials, processing and transport of goods. This pressure on water resources is increasing with the increase in production and distribution volumes, thus increasing the risks of water stress in certain regions of the world. The issue of biodiversity is also central. Land use change, of which artificialization is one of the most impactful forms, is today the main factor in the erosion of terrestrial biodiversity. It causes the destruction and fragmentation of habitats, isolates animal and plant populations, and reduces the diversity of species, promoting the homogenization of living things to the detriment of local ecosystems.
Faced with these challenges, the transformation of the retail model seems essential. It involves reducing the carbon footprint of the supply chain, adopting responsible purchasing practices, promoting the circular economy, sustainable water management and preserving natural ecosystems. The commitment of retailers to a global approach to environmental transition is now a necessity to reconcile economic growth and respect for planetary boundaries.
Key figures
30%
Of the world's final energy consumption
1,700 Liters
Water consumed per m² per year for an average U.S. shopping mall
1.7 Milliards
Parcels delivered in France per year
Sources : AIE, Eurostat, Phoenix ICI Water Study Presentation to Urban Water Demand Roundtable, Mail and parcel observatory
Our support
Establish your environmental footprint
We assess your greenhouse gas emissions across your entire value chain (energy consumption, your purchases, the transport of goods, the construction of your points of sale, etc.), we establish a water balance (direct consumption but also the virtual water contained in your products) and review the pressures exerted on biodiversity (land artificialization, etc.). overexploitation of resources and pollution). Thanks to the analysis of your invoices, literature data, LCAs and a sector benchmark, we quantify your CO₂ emissions, your water withdrawals and the pressures on riparian ecosystems, in order to identify your main environmental "hot spots" and to prioritize actions with a strong reduction lever.
Assess your vulnerability to climate hazards
we confront your operating models with physical threats (heat waves affecting air conditioning, storms, water stress) and transition risks (rising energy costs, energy performance obligations, carbon pricing). By modulating these variables in prospective scenarios, we highlight your vulnerabilities – possible business interruptions, additional operational costs – and your opportunities to strengthen resilience, such as thermal renovation, the installation of passive protection or access to green financing.
Tracing, selecting and engaging your suppliers
The heart of your sustainable performance lies in the control of your supply chain. We map your product flows, from the import of goods to their distribution in stores, assessing the environmental impacts of each supplier. Using recognised benchmarks and due diligence questionnaires, we measure their water management, emissions and biodiversity preservation policies. This approach of auditing and co-constructing continuous improvement plans allows you to strengthen traceability, establish responsible partnerships and demand clear commitments in terms of impact reduction.
Structure your non-financial reporting
we support you in the formalization and dissemination of your environmental and social results. We transform your key indicators — scope 1 to 3 emissions, water/m² ratios, percentage of labeled suppliers — into dynamic dashboards and narratives that comply with CSRD standards, CDP, transition plan and European taxonomies. With these ready-to-use tools and documents, you secure your regulatory obligations, strengthen the trust of your stakeholders and position your brand as a committed and transparent retail player.
