Out the Box

Future proofing

Refill stations, a lot less plastic and self-efficiency are just some of the initiatives in Morrisons’ new eco-concept store.

Morrisons has introduced a storepromising a lower environmentalimpact in Little Clacton, Essex, tolimit its carbon footprint.

WHAT’S THE BIG CONCEPT?

The year 2030 may seem too far in the future, but in innovation timescale, it really is just around the corner. That’s when the UK government is aiming to create up to £90bn of private investment towards net zero by 2050; a number of companies have made their own pledges around that timetable.

The Morrisons store features 366 loose products, a low-carbon-impact building, next-generation fridges powered by CO2 from agricultural waste, roof solar panels to provide a fifth of the store’s energy, rainwater harvesting for toilet flushing, a near zero waste backof-house system, along with facilities to recycle customers’ waste.

In addition to low-impact design and decreased packaging and waste, the store also promises a significant number of locally sourced products, a range of biodiversity schemes, more healthy and nutritious foods, and more support to the local community.

WHAT IMPACT WILL IT HAVE?

The retailer says the Little Clacton store will emit 43% lower operational emissions than a standard store, while also generating its own power, moving away from gas. Some of the innovation involved in carbon reduction includes using only electricity; solar panels; air source heat pumps using waste heat from fridges to heat the store; ‘Eco- Blades’ to trap cold air inside fridges; and exclusive operation of electric morrisons.com delivery vehicles.

Apart from the loose products (including everything from fruit, vegetables, bakery items, frozen products, pet foods), it will also comprise refill hoppers (including pasta, coffee, home baking, pulses and herbs, as well as refillable household cleaning products); plastic-free shopping for over 110 products at the counters using refillable containers; and milk sold only in Tetra Pak.

The store will also be the first to trial Morrisons carbon neutral eggs. It will also aspire to be almost zero waste, offering customers the ability to return their waste.

WHAT ABOUT THE BUILDING?

In its environmental construction, Morrisons Little Clacton has recycled 99% of the demolition materials from its old store in new builds and reused and reduced steel to lower carbon emissions by 52%. Meanwhile, special car park tarmac has been used to offer a carbon saving of up to 25%. A rainwater harvesting system will be used to flush the store’s toilets and reduce virgin water use of nearly 600,000 litres a year.

Outside the store, a wildlife area has been created in the grounds of the store to offer a home for birds, insects and small animals.

IS THIS A SECTOR FIRST?

No, it’s not. Greggs has recently opened a new Eco-Shop in Great Billing, Northampton, where it will test initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact. Our prediction is that soon more retailers will follow suit, as the country races to meet its own environmental pledges.