Auchan Romania has published its Sustainability Report for 2024, providing a detailed overview of progress made in environmental protection, carbon footprint reduction, the development of circular economy projects, social engagement, and the implementation of responsible governance.

Key achievements include the increased use of green energy through the installation of photovoltaic panels on 16 stores, which produced over 8 million kWh, and supplying 4 units with 47% renewable energy provided by Auchan Renewable Energy.

To support the transition to green energy, Auchan Romania established Auchan Renewable Energy (ARE) in 2023. Operating in the production, transmission, and distribution of electricity, ARE supplied 47% green energy to 4 Auchan stores and complements the measures already in place, providing an own source of renewable energy and a strategic step towards the company’s energy autonomy. Additionally, Auchan aims to reduce supply chain emissions by 25% by 2030 (compared to 2020), recording significant reductions in 2024, such as:

• Over 50% reduction in emissions from energy consumption compared to the previous year
• 28% reduction in emissions from natural gas, fuel, vehicle fleet, and refrigerants
• 18% reduction in emissions generated by goods transportation

For monitoring, the company used the Carbon Tracking Tool – a platform initially tested and implemented in Romania, which calculates and simulates emission reductions for Scope 1, 2, and 3, in accordance with SBTi standards.

To achieve these results, strategic measures were implemented, such as:

• Installation of over 18,000 photovoltaic panels on 16 hypermarkets
• Improvement of roof waterproofing in stores
• Installation of an additional 1.2 kilometers of CO₂-based refrigerated display cases, totaling 2.2 kilometers across the network
• Introduction of the first light electric truck for deliveries to a supermarket in Bucharest
• Optimization of transport volumes and routes

90 supply chains developed in partnership with local producers

In 2024, Auchan developed 90 supply chains with dozens of local producers. Through this program, the retailer supports local agriculture and offers customers products with controlled traceability in categories such as vegetables, fruits, fish, eggs, meat, and groceries. These products are available in all Auchan stores and come from farmers who adhere to recommended environmental standards and worker fairness.

„Last year marked a milestone for Auchan Romania through intensified efforts to transition to a sustainable business model. Beyond investments in energy efficiency, technologies that reduce environmental impact, and support for local producers practicing regenerative agriculture, we have continued to develop an organizational culture rooted in sustainability. We believe that transformation starts from within, through education, empowerment, and commitment at all levels of the organization, and that only when people understand the meaning and impact of their actions does sustainability become an integrated practice, not just a theoretical goal,” said Corina Dospinoiu-Imre, Sustainability Director at Auchan Retail Romania.

Over 8,800 sustainability or volunteer actions carried out by Auchan employees

During the reporting period, company employees carried out over 8,800 volunteer actions as part of the Personal Sustainability Program. Projects they were involved in include planting activities, food donations, oil recycling, and building homes for vulnerable communities. 

Auchan remains one of the country’s largest employers, with approximately 7,000 employees at the end of 2024, 70% of whom are women — a positive indicator of diversity and inclusion within the company. In fact, 56% of leadership positions are held by women, demonstrating the company’s genuine commitment to equal opportunities and fair professional development.

Key results from circular economy projects

• Over 5 million products saved from waste, avoiding the release of 7,180 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere
• 220 tons of food waste were collected and converted into biogas, subsequently transformed into thermal and electrical energy
• 430,000 liters of oil were collected and converted into biofuel as part of the used cooking oil collection and recycling program, preventing the contamination of 430 billion liters of water
• 75 tons of clothing and footwear were collected in the textile recycling campaign, avoiding the emission of 270 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere
• 9,200 customers participated in the used pan collection campaign

The 2024 Sustainability Report is prepared according to the ESRS* standards from the CSRD directive and continues the retailer’s transparency efforts by clearly and systematically presenting quantitative and qualitative data on the company’s non-financial, financial, and sustainability performance. The full version is available here: https://www.auchan.ro/rapoarte-de-sustenabilitate-auchan-romania.