Introducing greener stores

We’ve revolutionised the way we build our stores, so they are as green and as sustainable as possible.

In 2009, we have made great progress in our aim to become a zero-carbon business by 2050.

At the beginning of the year we opened our Cheetham Hill store in Manchester, which was developed using a low-carbon blueprint and has cut down the store’s carbon footprint by 70 per cent.

In December, our eco store in Ramsey, Cambridgeshire, opened to the public and is our first zero-carbon store.

Planning permitting, this is how every new store will be built in the UK from now on.

Here’s how our low-carbon stores can become a reality:

• Build with wood frames instead of metal. For every cubic metre of steel we replace with timber, we save almost a tonne of carbon because it is less energy-intensive to produce.
• Use lots of natural light. By introducing more daylight, it means we need less artificial lighting, which means less electricity.
• Better ventilation. The new store template has been designed with a more energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning system.
• Reduce energy and water consumption. A metering system helps us keep a close eye on how much energy and water we use.
• Generate our own energy. Combined Cooling, Heat and Power (CHP) plants will generate our own electricity.
• Ecofriendly fridges. We’re introducing refrigeration systems that are cooled with carbon dioxide, which is thousands of times less damaging to the climate than traditional refrigeration gases.
• Place more recyclable signs. Where possible, our new fixtures and signage will be made from materials that are recycled or from sustainable sources and recyclable.

Look out for our eco stores

Ramsey, Cambridgeshire

It’s our first zero-carbon store! It’s made from timber, uses sun-pipe lighting and collects rainwater to flush the toilets and run the car wash. The new eco store is all part of our plan to be a zero-carbon company by 2050.

Find out more about Ramsey

Cheetham Hill, Manchester

It’s the first finished example of a store built using our new blueprint. Here we have reduced the carbon footprint by 70 per cent.

Find out more about Cheetham Hill and our new low-carbon blueprint here.