- As part of their net-zero strategy, Waitrose shops are switching from fossil fuel heating to electric heat pumps, powered by zero-carbon renewable energy
- Waitrose stores will combine the heat pumps with upgraded refrigeration systems to allow heat recovery to generate further efficiency
- 100% of the electricity they purchase already comes from zero carbon UK-based renewable energy sources, and by 2028 they will have reduced their energy consumption by 25%
Today, Waitrose has revealed plans to make its shops more energy efficient to combat rising energy prices. The move highlights the John Lewis Partnership’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions for its direct operations by 2035. By 2028, they are also committed to reducing their energy consumption by 25%, by focusing on energy efficiency projects over the coming years.
Neil Coleman, Operations Manager, Energy and Innovation for the John Lewis Partnership, said: “No business is immune to rising energy costs. We’ve already set an ambitious plan to reduce our energy consumption and reach our goal of net zero emissions by 2035. With energy prices rising, we’re accelerating this. We’re focusing on heat recovery solutions and thermal efficiency to help lower the general heating and cooling load of our buildings.”
To maximise our building efficiency, we’re also:
- Showing wasted energy the door as we continue to roll out ‘Air Door’ technology throughout our estate, lessening hot and cold air infiltration into a building, thereby reducing refrigeration, heating and cooling energy consumption.
- Keeping it cool, phasing out HFC (Hydrofluorocarbons) refrigerants, switching to water-cooled systems and low GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants. Upgrading our fridges to make them 40% more efficient.
- Lightening the load for a brighter future, converting to LED lighting across all our stores, reducing a shop's electricity consumption by up to 10%.
Notes to Editors
For further information about the John Lewis Partnership’s net zero commitment and what we’re doing to reduce our impact on nature, please check out our latest Sustainability Report or get in touch.
