Lincolnshire Co-op has announced a significant investment in renewable energy by installing solar panels at 62 additional sites.
- Previously, the retailer had solar panels at 11 sites, generating 225,000 KWH annually.
- The new installations are projected to generate an additional 1.8 million KWH per year.
- This move will reduce the company’s indirect CO2 emissions by approximately 10%.
- The initiative aligns with Lincolnshire Co-op’s broader commitment to sustainability and community welfare.
Lincolnshire Co-op is embarking on a substantial expansion of its solar panel infrastructure, dedicating over £2 million to this renewable energy project. The expansion will see installations at 62 new locations, building on the 11 sites currently equipped with solar panels. These existing sites generate around 225,000 kilowatt hours (KWH) annually, and the additional installations are expected to significantly increase this output by 1.8 million KWH each year.
The cooperative’s drive towards sustainability is underscored by its collaboration with energy savings experts, SOL PV Group. They have already facilitated the installation of solar panels at eight initial sites, including food stores in Scawby, Morton Bourne, Barrowby in Grantham, Barnetby le Wold, Springfield Road in Grantham, and Clipstone, Keelby, and Skellingthorpe Road in Lincoln. The remaining sites, predominantly food stores, are anticipated to be operational by summer 2025.
Through these installations, Lincolnshire Co-op aims to use approximately 30% solar energy for the buildings involved, which will also result in a near 10% reduction in the cooperative’s overall indirect carbon dioxide emissions. This initiative highlights a broader environmental strategy that includes the use of LED lighting and advanced systems to manage heating and lighting, alongside the installation of fridge doors to reduce electricity consumption by up to 27%.
In addition to solar energy, Lincolnshire Co-op is extending its partnership with Retail Insight to further its efforts in reducing food waste. This partnership involves deploying an enhanced version of the ‘Waste Trim’ feature. This data-driven tool optimises stock management, minimises overstocking, and reduces food wastage, reinforcing the cooperative’s commitment to sustainability.
Lincolnshire Co-op’s solar expansion is a testament to its dedication to a sustainable and community-focused future.
