The store has many environmentally friendly features, including Triple Zero – zero carbon emissions from all operational energy used; zero waste goes to landfill; and the store has zero impact on the water usage of the local catchment area because of its ‘Water Neutral’ status.
Neil Sachdev, Sainsbury’s property director, said: “We aim to be the UK’s ‘Greenest Grocer’ and achieve our 20×20 target to reduce our operational carbon emissions by 30% absolute. To do this, we’re now building and running highly sustainable, low carbon stores.
“Our new Triple Zero stores in Leicester and Weymouth Gateway are examples of how we’re achieving this, by using power generated from waste in our supply chain and ‘Water Neutral’, which includes offsetting partnerships in the local community.”
100% of the store’s electricity and heating will be provided by an onsite generator, meaning all operational energy used will be zero carbon. The combined heat and power system will use natural gas from the national gas grid. And, the equivalent amount of zero carbon biogas, required for the store each year, will be imported into the network from one of the company’s Dairy Development Group farmer’s anaerobic digestion facilities in West Sussex, thus creating a closed loop.
Also, like all Sainsbury’s stores, none of its waste goes to landfill. Any surplus food is donated to local charities or made into animal feed, and when it’s not suitable for consumption it’s used to generate energy through anaerobic digestion. And, all general waste is recycled or turned into fuel.
Additionally, the water required for this ‘Water Neutral’ store will be met through water efficient measures and infrastructure, as well as an offsetting partnership in the local community. This means the total water used within the local catchment area will not increase as a result of this new store. 70% of the water demand will come from rainwater harvesting and other water efficient initiatives. The remaining 30%, which is potable water for food preparation, will be offset by sponsoring water saving initiatives at a partner site in the local community, also substantially reducing its annual water bill. In a year, this approach will save enough water to meet the average needs of around 50 homes.
Sainsbury’s new 81,700 sq ft Leicester store will open on 27 November 2013.
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