Aldi Switzerland has announced that all of its stores became CO2 neutral in January 2017, through initiatives to reduce emissions and investment in climate-protection projects.
Since 2012, the Swiss discounter regularly analyses its carbon footprint according to recognised international standards.
In 2014, it switched exclusively to hydropower to effectively reduce CO2 emissions. As a result of this measure, as well as the use of non-environmentally damaging refrigerants and other initiatives, Aldi Switzerland has succeeded in reducing overall emissions by over 40% (compared to 2012).
Aldi has also developed a new concept of environmentally friendly buildings, featuring photovoltaic solar panels, LED lighting, eco-friendly heating and cooling systems, and natural cooling fluids.
In addition, the retailer compensates for the remaining CO2 emissions by investing in climate-protection projects of Swiss environmental foundation MyClimate, which meet the so-called 'gold standard' set by the environmental certification body.
Aldi Switzerland is backing a project in Nepal through which organic waste is turned into organic fertiliser. In addition, it supports the production and installation of efficient cooking systems in China and Madagascar, which enable the reduction of harmful emissions from conventional cooking with wood and coal, thus improving the health of local citizens.
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Branislav Pekic. Click subscribe to sign up for ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
