Food retailer Co-op has today (28 July) provided a renewable energy strategy update, announcing the completion of a solar panel project at its distribution centre (DC) in Bedfordshire.
The Biggleswade site, which serves more than 600 stores across the south of England and covers 660,000 sq ft, has now been equipped with circa 6,744 solar panels as part of Co-op’s journey to increase the amount of renewable power it directly procures.
The panels are expected to generate 2,500 MWh of renewable energy annually to help power the DC’s operations. The retailer said the renewable energy upgrade at what is the organisation’s largest depot will alleviate energy demand on the national grid and help drive Co-op’s commitment to become net zero across its own operations by 2035.
Heather Thomas, group property & sustainability director at Co-op, called it a “landmark moment for Co-op”.
“This initiative underlines our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates how businesses can make impactful changes to protect the planet,” she explained.
“By harnessing renewable energy, we are not only reducing emissions but also setting a strong example of best practice on how sustainable energy can be effectively integrated into day-to-day business operations.”
Thomas added: “We believe every business should be playing its part in accelerating the greening of the grid, by reducing energy demand and investing directly in renewable electricity generation.”
James Charlesworth, director for asset management at real estate fund manager Tritax Big Box, said: “The electricity generated will make a meaningful contribution to meeting Co-op’s energy needs.
“This forms part of our broader ESG strategy, as we are working closely with a number of our clients to install solar PV, enhancing building efficiency and supporting their journeys towards net zero.”
Co-op has already announced it is set to install solar panels on up to 700 sites across its food, funeral care, and logistic portfolio over the next three years.
Furthermore, Co-op has supported the launch of a solar farm in Cambridgeshire – made possible by the retailer’s signing of a power purchase agreement. It has also secured an additional agreement to take the entire output of a 34-megawatt solar farm, located in North Yorkshire, which is set to be fully operational next year.
Last week, Green Retail World reported about new solar panel projects at Aldi UK and Iceland, as more and more retailers look to add renewable energy resources to their operations.
[image credit: Co-op]
