Aldi Denmark is placing emphasis on eco-friendly initiatives during the construction phase of its new stores.
The discounter has introduced solar cell systems on the roof, charging stations for electric cars, and energy-saving installations in new stores.
Sustainability
Sustainability is high on the agenda at Aldi, with the goal to reduce CO2 footprint by 40% in 2021 compared to 2015.
Important steps that the group has taken towards this goal include investment in refrigeration systems with climate-neutral refrigerants, installation of LED lighting to reduce energy consumption, and integration of photovoltaic systems into stores.
The discounter has already switched to LED lighting in all the chain's stores and warehouses and cut 40% of energy consumption for lighting.
Solar cells on the roofs have been added to reduce CO2 emissions further, and supply the new stores with self-produced green power.
Complying With Paris Agreement
CSR manager at Aldi Denmark, Katrine Milman, said that the retailer is "committed to complying with the objectives of the Paris Agreement" and works purposefully to reduce its total CO2 emissions.
"We are installing solar cells in our new stores. In numbers, the photovoltaic system can leverage circa 40% of the store's annual power consumption and reduce our CO2 footprint by 31,000 kg per store," Milman added.
Currently, solar cells are installed on the roof of Aldi's stores in Give, Ringsted, Vordingborg, and Viborg. The retailer aims to mounted solar cells on the roofs of stores where possible.
Screens at the entrance to Aldi's new stores show customers and employees how much power the solar cells on the roof produce, the company said.
Surplus Power
On sunny days, the photovoltaic system can produce more electricity than the requirements of the store. The excess power is then used in a number of different ways.
The solar cell system also supplies power to the electric car chargers at Aldi's parking spaces.
Aldi offers one of Denmark's cheapest public charging prices of only DKK2.25 per. KWh without a subscription or contract. Those wishing to refuel, can download the app and pay through it.
In addition, the retailer has entered into an agreement to supply surplus power to other Aldi stores, so that stores that do not have photovoltaic systems can also use green energy.
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Conor Farrelly. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Super
