Reducing energy in our stores
At Primark, we are committed to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from our stores.
In 2008, we worked with the Carbon Trust to develop our Carbon Policy which is displayed in all our stores. Our carbon footprint for 2008 was measured at 74,000 tonnes and we are in the process of working with the Carbon Trust to develop our carbon strategy for the future.
We opened our first green store in June 2010 in East Ham. This store was designed to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40%, compared to a standard store, and incorporates features such as rainwater harvesting, low energy lighting, free cooling, efficient chillers, sustainable timber, cycle racks and a wildlife habitat.
We use infra-red sensors in staff areas in all our stores, so that lightning and air conditioning only function when rooms are being used.
We operate a closed front door policy in all our stores to ensure that there is no wasted energy leaking through the front door.
We are installing low energy lighting in all our new stores, following a successful pilot in our new Tooting store in May 2009, which showed an energy saving of 20%.
80% of our stores have Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) in place, and these are installed in all our new stores. BEMS strictly control energy consumption in stores by monitoring lighting levels and temperatures to ensure there is no wasted energy consumption.
We used large arrays solar panels on the roof of our new store in Cambridge which provide the store with 1% of its energy.
What’s next?
We are opening a further green store in Naas, Republic of Ireland.
We’re analysing which of our energy saving schemes can be rolled out into our other stores.
We’re working with the Carbon Trust to measure our footprint annually, and to set strict targets for its reduction each year.