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Tesco Ireland Opening First Eco Store Next Month
Tesco Ireland will be opening its first environmental store ("eco store") in Tramore next month. When completed the 30,000 sq ft retail outlet will use 45% less energy than a supermarket of a similar size. Setting a new benchmark for green technology and construction in retail in Ireland, Tesco Tramore will save 420 tonnes of CO2, a 30% annual saving. It's all part of a number of steps that Tesco is taking to reduce the environmental impact of its business operations.Features of the eco store include;
- Timber frame shop floor instead of traditional steel
- Enhanced insulation to minimize heat loss
- Trigeneration Combined Heat and Power Plant producing the majority of all central heating and hot water for the store whilst also contributing to the electricity generation
- Double glazing sections in the roof to maximise natural light
- Photovoltaic roof cells that generate electricity for use instore
- Roof-top rainwater collection for use in toilets
- Cold air recycling system which takes cold air from chilled areas to warmer areas - reducing the need for air conditioning
- CO2 based refrigeration replacing the more traditional HFC refrigerants.
- Energy-saving LED lighting in all fridges with below shelving lips in dairy and milk cabinets to reduce cool air loss
- Bakery ovens that are 50% more efficient than similar installations
- Photocell lights in loading areas which are triggered by low external light
- Light movement sensors to ensure lights in offices and other staff areas are only on when this space is in use
- The building as designed will receive an A1 Building Energy Rating (BER) the highest energy efficient rating
Tesco Ireland is taking a number of practical steps to reduce its environmental impact and to help consumers make informed greener choices based on good science. The company is measuring the carbon footprint of 30 Tesco own brand products, measuring the overall CO2 emissions throughout their life cycle.
Since announcing its Strategy for the Environment and Carbon Reduction last year Tesco Ireland has been investing and trialling new technologies throughout its store network, and as a result has developed a more sustainable blueprint for its new buildings. This includes an extensive energy management programme with energy managers appointed locally to all stores. The company commissioned its first Combined Heat and Power unit at Tesco Nutgrove store last year, saving 25% in energy costs. A bio diesel mix has been introduced to the distribution truck fleet along with double deck trailers which will save on road miles.
Pictured is the 50,000sq ft Tesco in Wick, in the north of Scotland. It was designed to be the most environmentally-friendly of its kind in the UK, and it is expected to have a 50 percent smaller carbon footprint than similar sized traditionally built stores. Not only is the building envelope designed to have minimum impact on the environment but construction methods were also as low-carbon as possible, while road freight was replaced with shipping to reduce both emissions and road congestion.
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