This study is a survey of current practice and possible development of measures in the field of sustainable development regarding large retailers. The study also develops a methodology to measure sustainable development in the field of large retailers.

The objective of the study is two-fold:

1. to desribe and assess the current environemntal performance of large retailers and
2. to develop a methodology for measuring their performance over time.

The scope of the study is the retail sector in Europe, and their practices with regards to four areas:

1. Promoting the purchase of green products;
2. Encouraging measures to effectively green supply chains;
3. Improving retailers' own environmental performance; and
4. Better informing consumers. 

The outcome of the project will be:

1. Identification of retailers' green initiatives;
2. Assessment of retailers' green practices;
3. Development of a measurement methodology.