Setting out on the road to Net Zero retail
Mitsubishi Electric Living Environmental Systems UK
Cooling, Heating, Ventilation and Controls
James Harman looks at steps the retail sector can take to reduce carbon
UK retailers are often at the forefront of changing business practices to meet new consumer or government expectations.
We have seen this, for instance, in the greater availability of vegetarian and vegan foods in the past few years as supermarkets respond to growing consumer demand and the shift away from the over-production of meat.
And the same can be said for UK retailers’ drive to net zero.
In part, it’s a response to UK government policy and increased public awareness of the importance of reducing our personal carbon footprint as shoppers.
Surveys have identified that consumers want to spend their money with businesses that deliver on ESG commitments, including carbon reduction.
Companies can reap benefits for their bottom line and environmental footprint
An enormous task
The British Retail Consortium ?(BRC), whose members include the UK’s biggest retailers, has set a target of getting the whole UK retail industry and its supply chains to Net Zero by 2040.
It’s an enormous task, and the BRC established milestones along the way to that end date, including ensuring that all buildings are powered by renewable energy by 2025, with the sourcing of 100% renewable electricity by 2030.
But figures from?the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy ?(BEIS) show that retail accounts for around 17% of the energy used in UK buildings, so energy efficiency will be crucial for the retail sector to reach those renewable energy use milestones.
And there is no escaping the fact that, in 2023, any savings made on energy use will reduce operating costs – making energy efficiency a profit centre in its own right.
Knowing where to start
For many retailers, finding energy savings can start with building services, particularly air conditioning. Not only is this a vital aspect of providing a comfortable environment for customers and staff, but it’s also a significant energy user.
Therefore, businesses should consider investing in energy-efficient air conditioning systems – or making their current systems more efficient - to help reduce their overall energy consumption.
Finding energy savings in this area can start with a review of air conditioning equipment in each building. This may seem obvious, but it’s surprising how easy it is to lose track of what’s installed at every store, particularly across an extensive portfolio.
Conducting a thorough review of the air conditioning equipment at each store will identify potential energy savings and ensure that each building’s system is up to date and running efficiently.