The Co-op has today (28 July) announced the completion of an ambitious solar panel project at its largest regional distribution centre in Bedfordshire, which serves more than 600 stores across the south of England.
The 660,000 sq.ft. depot in Biggleswade has been equipped with approximately 6,744 solar panels as part of the group’s journey to increase the amount of renewable power it directly procures.
The newly installed solar panels are expected to generate 2,500MWh of renewable energy annually to help power the depot’s operations. Additionally, the panels will alleviate demand on the national grid and help drive Co-op’s commitment to become Net Zero across its operations by 2035.
Heather Thomas, group property and sustainability director, said: “The completion of the solar panel installation at our Biggleswade depot is a landmark moment. This initiative underlines our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates how businesses can make impactful changes to protect the planet.
“By harnessing renewable energy, we’re not only reducing emissions but also setting a strong example of best practice on how sustainable energy can be effectively integrated into day-to-day businesses.”
The Co-op has been campaigning for Climate Justice since 2021 and recently published research with the Green Alliance on the role of businesses as energy consumers in the energy transition - essential not only in tackling climate change but also for energy security and therefore national security.
The news of the solar power project at the depot follows on from the announcement of Co-op’s plans to install solar panels on a target of up to 700 sites across its portfolio over the next three years.
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