Sustainability

SOUTHERN CO-OP

Hampshire store opens with eco-friendly solutions

From electricity from renewable sources and featuring technology to improve refrigeration efficiency,this new Co-op store is as sustainable as it gets.

Southern Co-op has opened a new store in Basingstoke, Hampshire, that is using technology to be as sustainable as possible.

The store uses electricity from renewable sources and features new EcoBlade technology – developed by motor racing engineers – in its fridges to improve refrigeration efficiency and reduce cold air being lost into the aisles.

In addition, the store includes LED lighting throughout and electronic shelf edge labels, which will reduce paper wastage by replacing traditional paperbased shelf edge pricing and promotion labels. There is a soft plastics recycling bin in store and the single use carrier bags are compostable. Bags for life have been replaced with longer-lasting foldaway bags and large shoppers.

Andy Thompson, Store Manager, said: “Within Southern Co-op there is a huge drive towards cutting greenhouse gas emissions from our business by 2030 so I’m pleased to showcase the part our store is playing in achieving these goals.”

He added: “There is a particularly exciting project in the planning, which we will be supporting shortly to help reduce local food waste.”

Products on offer include COOK ready meals, a selection of 100% plant-based GRO meals and snacks, hot food to takeaway, Dunkin Donuts, coffee to go, Rollover hot dogs and Slush machines.

The store, which is creating 16 new jobs in the local community, opened its doors today (27 October) at 7am. It is open from 7am to 10pm daily and includes Amazon lockers and an ATM.

Southern Co-op is currently working towards its ambitious science-based targets to cut direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions from its business by 2030, supported by a climate action pathway of planned activity, and an initial investment of £5.8m.