UK supermarket chain Waitrose has announced plans to recruit for its “most sustainable distribution centre (DC)”, which is set to open early in 2027.
The retailer’s first DC in the south-west of England, in Avonmouth, is expected to create 550 new jobs for the region. It will be run by logistics company DHL, and it will feature solar panels on the roof and be located close to a biomethane refuelling station, allowing Waitrose lorries to power up using fossil fuel alternatives.
DC developer Mountpark initially confirmed Waitrose had signed a multi-million pound deal to take the site, in July 2025. It was initially mooted the site would open in autumn 2026.
Justification for calling it the most sustainable distribution centre is in how the site is expected to improve efficiencies for 50 existing shops in the region by reducing road milage for the retailer’s fleet. The facilities have also been designed to be energy efficient.
Specifically, the new building has a roof made of 1,200 solar panels, and includes “energy efficient systems” throughout, extensive natural light, landscaped gardens and a roof terrace has been rated BREEAM ‘Outstanding’. This latter rating means the building has achieved the highest level of sustainability performance, scoring 85% or more in the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method assessment, and placing it in the top 1% of UK non-domestic buildings for environmental design, construction, and operation, focusing on energy efficiency, health, materials, and waste reduction.
Waitrose also said it will be a sustainable distribution centre because it will help reduce annual mileage within its supply chain by 2,225 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Alison Maffin, supply chain director at Waitrose, said: “As we grow, it’s essential that our supply chain grows with us.
“This new site strengthens our network, ensuring consistent service for our customers and creating over 550 jobs in a state-of-the-art facility. DHL shares our commitment to sustainable logistics, making them the perfect partner for this next phase of our expansion.”
Martin Willmor, CEO of DHL Supply Chain UK & Ireland, remarked: “We are excited to be working with Waitrose as they expand their regional presence while reducing supply chain emissions.
“The new Bristol site reflects our shared commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, whilst supporting the community.”
Read about Waitrose’s Farming for Nature programme on Green Retail World
[image credit: Waitrose/John Lewis Partnership]
