In order to become more energy efficient and reduce its carbon emissions, Sainsbury’s worked with the Carbon Trust to highlight initiatives that would reduce carbon emissions for Sainsbury’s. Energy efficiency projects alone, including a combination of voltage reduction, refrigeration system recommissioning and lighting improvements, have contributed to an 11 per cent decrease in carbon emissions. This improvement in efficiency is equivalent to the entire energy and transport emissions from all homes and businesses in London for one day every year.

J Sainsbury plc, one of the largest supermarket chains in the UK, recognises that climate change poses both risks and opportunities to its business. As a result, Sainsbury’s has adopted a proactive strategy of understanding climate change and implementing programmes to reduce its direct environmental impact. Its goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by sourcing energy responsibly, minimising energy demand and promoting efficient consumption.

In order to become more energy efficient and reduce its carbon emissions, Sainsbury’s Sainsbury’s worked with the Carbon Trust to highlight initiatives that would reduce carbon emissions for Sainsbury’s. We have been able to exceed our reduction targets and ensure that we remain a responsible company in minimising our impact on the environment..

Results

Over the past three years, J Sainsbury plc’s carbon emissions per square metre of sales area (CO2/m2) have consistently decreased. The retailer has achieved a 20 per cent CO2/m2 reduction on energy use between 2001 – 2005, against an initial target of 10 per cent. Energy efficiency projects alone, including a combination of voltage reduction, refrigeration system recommissioning and lighting improvements, have contributed to an 11 per cent decrease in carbon emissions. This reduction in energy use equates to a cost saving of in excess of £8M per annum from the start of the target period – 1997/98.

This improvement in efficiency is equivalent to the entire energy and transport emissions from all homes and businesses in London for one day every year.

Looking ahead

The organisation is continuing to improve energy efficiency and has set a new target to achieve a further five per cent reduction in CO2/m2, compared to April 2005, by April 2008. Sainsbury’s recognises that this target will be a challenge, but is determined that with a continued focus on housekeeping, as well as operational efficiencies, it can be achieved.

Our work with the Carbon Trust has aided us enormously, helping us to achieve our commitment to the continued reduction in carbon emissions.

Source:

Julius Brinkworth, Sainsbury’s Group Energy Manager.