UK retailers facing sustainability pressures to get free access to digital tools in new initiative from SafetyCulture

• New Retail Sustainability Initiative grants UK retailers free access to digital operations platform iAuditor
• Dedicated sustainability checks and resources will support organisations looking to move to greener ways of doing business
• Retail expert Mary Portas notes that leveraging technology is key to putting people and planet first in the retail sector

UK retailers looking to weather the rising energy bill crisis and contribute to the drive for Net Zero will gain free access to digital tools to help them operate more efficiently and sustainably.

Operations platform SafetyCulture is offering UK retailers free access to its iAuditor app to kick off its new Retail Sustainability Initiative. The technology will be free for teams of up to 10 users, giving them access to ready-to-use digital audit templates on sustainability and issue reporting, as well as thousands of additional templates on brand standards, loss prevention, store inspections, and more. 

The retail sector, which continues to feel the economic fallout of the pandemic, is now battling increasing pressures to reduce waste, emissions, and its global environmental impact against the backdrop of soaring global energy prices. 

It’s a challenge and cause being championed by Business entrepreneur and retail guru Mary Portas, who recently announced her co-chairship of the Better Business Act initiative – a campaign for a change in UK law which would make businesses accountable for their social and environmental impact. 

Mary recently spoke at SafetyCulture’s Beyond Change event in Edinburgh, and comments: “The climate emergency and changes in consumer behaviour are turning up the temperature for the UK’s retailers. Anyone not already reacting to this wave of social and economic change is risking their business. It’s time for a fundamental change in how we operate – starting by prioritising our people and planet. 

“Leveraging technology that can help that cause by connecting our people and communities, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement, and reducing our environmental impact will be critical to that journey.”

To tackle this issue, SafetyCulture has developed its operations platform to help organizations integrate environmentally sound processes into their daily operations, and empower their frontline staff to take ownership for building sustainable working practices. For organizations overwhelmed by the task at hand, easy-to-use and ready-prepared checks and training offer an efficient and effective way to start their sustainability journey. 

The platform offers a mobile-first approach to digital audits, supporting organizations to review their processes in accordance with certifications such as ISO14001 and ISO50001, and an easy way to compile mandatory evidence for those obligated to submit for the UK Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme (ESOS) by December 2023. 

Nicky Chenery, General Manager EMEA at SafetyCulture, said: “We’re all feeling the pressures of a hike in the cost of living and soaring energy prices, as well as a growing moral imperative to do our bit for our planet. We believe business has to lead that charge and as customers increasingly vote with their wallets, retailers have a critical role to play. 

“We’ve also seen first-hand the challenges faced by the sector, working with brands including American Golf, Decathlon and Pets at Home. Offering our platform free for UK retailers of all sizes alongside dedicated sustainability and retail operational checklists can help those at the start of their journey. Starting by making those positive micro behaviours will build over time to create meaningful change. For leaders looking at the challenges lying ahead and wondering, ‘where do I start?’, we know we can help.

“SafetyCulture ensures every staff member can raise opportunities for improvement, report inefficiencies, and even use sensors to closely monitor assets. Through digitalization, we’re also further supporting sustainability efforts – our technology eliminates paper waste and resource inefficiencies seen by traditional paper-based processes.”

To learn more about the initiative and get started, retailers can visit safetyculture.com/retail-sustainability-initiative 

About the SafetyCulture Retail Sustainability Initiative

The Retail Sustainability Initiative is available for any registered retail business operating throughout the EMEA region. Leaders can sign up for free on the dedicated page and add an additional 9 users. Further users are available at cost. All accounts created via the page will receive the following ready-to-use retail checklist templates: 

• Environment Efficiency Checklist 
• Waste Management Checklist
• ISO14001 Audit
• Integrated Internal ISO Audit
• Retail Store Daily Open Checklist
• Retail Store Daily Close Checklist 
• Loss Prevention Support

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