The Co-operative Pharmacy claims it has become the first UK-wide carbon neutral pharmacy chain after it reduced its greenhouse gas emissions, purchased electricity from renewable sources and supported projects that offset its remaining emissions.

In 2011, Co-operative Pharmacy bought 18.7 gigawatt hours of renewable energy. Most of the multiple's mainland branches now use renewable energy. The remaining emissions released by the business are offset by projects in the developing world that either absorb or avoid the equivalent amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

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	These include a water purification project that realises carbon savings by replacing the traditional method of purification – burning wood – with the use of biosand filters, as well as a scheme to create new jobs to help prevent deforestation, both in Kenya. The Co-operative Pharmacy has also cut its operational greenhouse gas emissions by 40 per cent compared with 2006.

The multiple launched an updated ethical plan in February, including 53 commitments dedicated to protecting the environment, tackling global poverty, inspiring young people and responsible retailing.

Co-operative Pharmacy managing director John Nuttall said the multiple had been "working hard" to reduce its "environmental impact for the benefit of future generations". "Through these excellent projects we are not only taking responsibility for reducing our emissions but we are also supporting low carbon expansion in the developing world," he said.