Supermarket giant Woolworths has become the first grocery chain in Australia to announce a shift to a 100% electric delivery fleet by 2030. Today’s announcement will see Woolies phase out more than 3,000 internal combustion engine vehicles in its fleet, with renewable-powered electric vehicles, by 2030.
With thousands of stores across Woolworths, Big W and Dan Murphy’s brands, the Woolworths Group serves more than 22.7 million Australian customers on average each week.
“As the world looks to zero emissions, Woolworths is showing how businesses can play a vital role in addressing the climate crisis – by rapidly reducing emissions, setting new standards in sustainability, and showing what’s possible,” Greenpeace Australia Pacific senior campaigner Violette Snow said today.
“Diesel trucking is a major contributor to air pollution and is fuelling serious health issues in communities like Maribyrnong, who have declared a ‘Health Emergency’ to combat the issue.
“The country’s largest supermarket is leading the transition to 100% wind and solar powered transport and marks a vital step in curbing climate pollution, benefitting both local communities and our planet.
“Customers, investors, staff and stakeholders expect businesses to do the right thing.
“At a time of climate crisis, every business must now be a ‘climate business’. We must accelerate the phase-out of fossil fuels and rapidly transition to clean, renewable energy sources.
“This announcement sends a strong signal to Australia’s major retailers including Coles and Aldi: it’s time to electrify your fleet.”
The move further advances Woolies’ climate credentials, following the retailer’s commitment in 2020 to source 100 per cent of its electricity needs from renewable sources by 2025 – a move welcomed by Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
“Today’s announcement sets Woolies apart from their competitors. The onus is now on other major retailers like Coles and Aldi to follow suit and accelerate on their commitments to cleaner, greener transport,” Ms Snow added.