Woolworths’ solar power plan continues to make headlines after it raised $400 million in the first green bond issued by a major Australian retail chain last month.
Moree in northern New South Wales is the latest Woolworths supermarket to go solar. The Moree rooftop solar array of 99.96 kW comprises 357 solar panels.
In 2018, the Woolworths store in Young, NSW, became the first in Australia to add solar to its car park shade sails. The move helps cut energy costs and also reduces the store’s environmental footprint by cutting carbon emissions from traditional electricity sources.
Woolworths’ sustainability plan
According to its 2018 Sustainability Report, Woolworths will cut carbon emissions to 10 per cent below 2015 levels by 2020.
“We have solar panels on 62 stores and two distribution centres across the Woolworths Group with a solar capacity of approximately 7 MW,” the report states. “There is another 2 MW currently under construction across 6 stores.”
The Woolworths’ solar power plan is not the only path to sustainability by the company. Turning off lights after hours and also switching to LEDs are two efficiency measures. In addition, monitoring heating, ventilation and air-conditioning can save on energy.
Moree reducing environmental footprint
Woolworths Moree store manager Andrew Finch told the Moree Champion there is no doubt supermarkets are energy intensive to run.
“In recent years we’ve been working to run our stores more sustainably, and energy use is a big part of the effort,” he said.
“We’re proud to take the next step in our journey with the solar installation at Woolworths Moree.
“It will not only reduce the store’s environmental footprint, but also help keep costs down so we can continue offering the best possible prices to our customers.”
Sustainable energy will also help power Woolworths’ expanded Adelaide Distribution Centre. Overall, the group plans to install 3,500 solar panels across the extensive rooftop.
$400M green bond part of Woolworths’ solar power plan
Woolworths’ $400 million green bond will help fund its 2020 sustainability strategy. RenewEconomy reports that the bond received an overwhelming response from investors.
It was supported with a $30 million investment from the federally-funded Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC).
In addition, CEFC Debt Markets Lead Richard Lovell said the green bond set new standards across the retail industry.
“Woolworths’ work on a green bond framework has increased its business-wide focus on sustainability,” he said.
He added that, above all, the move sends a strong message to participants of Woolworths’ extensive supply chain.
“[It} makes a clear statement about its sustainability and emissions reduction objectives.”
