Co-op Group’s solar panel installation at its Biggleswade depot, covering over 600 stores across the south of England, is just one of the company’s numerous ambitions to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources. The 660,000 sq ft depot has been fitted with 6,744 solar panels, generating 2,500 MWh of renewable energy annually.
| Key Benefits | Renewable Energy |
| Annual energy generation of 2,500 MWh | A significant contribution to the national grid |
| Reduced demand on the national grid | A vital step in reducing carbon emissions |
Co-op Group’s ambitious plan is part of a broader strategy to make businesses more sustainable and environmentally conscious.
“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,”
said Heather Thomas, Co-op Group’s property and sustainability director. “This initiative underlines our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates how businesses can make impactful changes to protect the planet.”
In an effort to drive the retailer’s commitment to become net zero across its own operations by 2035, the company has made significant strides in recent years. The completion of the solar panel installation at the Biggleswade depot is a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainability and a significant step towards achieving its ambitious goal.
- Benefits
The Co-op Group has recently published research with the Green Alliance on the role of businesses as energy consumers in the energy transition, which is essential in tackling climate change and improving energy security – and with it, national security.
- Co-op Group’s solar panel installation is just one of the company’s numerous initiatives to increase its reliance on renewable energy sources
- The company plans to install solar panels on up to 700 sites across its food, funeralcare and logistic portfolio over the next three years
- Co-op Group has 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
The Co-op Group has a long-standing commitment to sustainability and has been working towards achieving net zero across its operations by 2035 and its entire business by 2040.
The Group’s commitment to renewable energy is also reflected in its updated Climate Action Plan, which outlines the company’s strategy for reducing absolute carbon emissions and sourcing renewable energy via corporate power purchase agreements. In its latest move, the Co-op Group has installed solar panels on a target of up to 700 sites across its food, funeralcare and logistic portfolio over the next three years. Up to 700 sites across the south of England will be equipped with solar panels, generating significant amounts of renewable energy and driving the retailer’s commitment to become net zero across its own operations by 2035. The Co-op Group’s commitment to sustainability is not limited to its solar panel installations. The company has also been working closely with a number of its clients to install solar PV, enhancing building efficiency and supporting their journeys towards net zero. By working together, we can accelerate the greening of the grid, said James Charlesworth, director – asset management at Tritax Big Box. 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.
The completion of the solar panel installation at the Biggleswade depot marks a significant milestone in the Co-op Group’s journey towards becoming a more sustainable business, and we will continue to work towards our ambitious goals. This is just the beginning of our commitment to sustainability, and we look forward to working with our partners and stakeholders to achieve our vision. By working together, we can drive positive change and create a more sustainable future for all. This is the Co-op Group’s promise to the planet.