The technology means the shop will cut its carbon emissions by over 750 tonnes per year, the equivalent to 1,500 transatlantic flights. There will even be capacity in the future to heat local homes and community facilities, the supermarket said.
The energy centre, developed by Waitrose and energy services company, MITIE, will also generate £150,000 every year for the local economy in the form of new jobs and through the purchasing of the wood chip.
Local schools and interested parties will be able to find out more about the process at the visitor centre, which forms part of the building where the energy centre is housed.
Waitrose East Cowes already has a number of ‘green’ initiatives incorporated into its design such as propane-based refrigeration technology which reduces energy usage by 20%. In addition, it uses ‘sun pipes’ throughout the store to let natural light in until it gets dark and a cold air-retrieval system instead of air-conditioning.
This all forms part of the retailer’s commitment to reducing its absolute carbon footprint by 15% by 2020 – based on its 2010 emission levels and including the creation of new stores.
Turner, who is performed the opening at the event, said: “I am very pleased to see the development of this new energy centre. The John Lewis Partnership’s decision to take this course of action in reducing Waitrose East Cowes’ reliance on the national grid, and reducing carbon emissions, is a very positive move.
“The John Lewis Partnership’s commitment to reducing its absolute carbon footprint by 15%, by 2020, is a shining example for other businesses on the Island. We are now yet another step closer to achieving our Eco-Island goals.”
Source: Waitrose
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