Lincolnshire Co-op is set to invest £2 million to install solar panels at an additional 62 sites, furthering its commitment to sustainability.
Having already equipped 11 locations with solar panels, which generate 225,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually, the society’s latest expansion is expected to produce an additional 1.8 million kWh per year. This would reduce the society’s indirect CO2 emissions by 10%, it confirmed.
Currently, Lincolnshire Co-op operates 94 food stores, and the solar panel installation has already been completed at eight new locations, in collaboration with energy efficiency experts Sol PV Group. These include stores in Scawby, Morton Bourne, Barrowby, Clipstone, and Keelby, located across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. The remaining 54 sites are set to be completed by summer 2025.
“We were selected to install solar panels at several Lincolnshire Co-op sites, including Barrowby Food Store,” said Brett Reynolds, sales director at Sol PV Group. “At Barrowby, 54 solar panels were fitted, allowing the store to generate 31% of its electricity from green energy, showcasing Lincolnshire Co-op’s dedication to a more sustainable future.”
Following the success of the initial eight installations, Sol PV Group has been awarded a contract to continue installing solar panels across 54 more stores, contributing a total of 2MW to Lincolnshire Co-op’s renewable energy capacity.
Will Tucker, Lincolnshire Co-op’s sustainability advisor, said: “This £2 million investment in fitting solar panels at an additional 62 sites is a testament to our commitment to creating a greener future. Enhancing life within our communities is at the core of what we do, and protecting our local environment is a key part of that mission.”
This solar initiative complements other sustainability efforts throughout the society’s estate. For example, it has fitted fridge doors in most of its stores, which has resulted in a 27% reduction in electricity usage.
Additional measures include the installation of LED lighting and systems that optimise heating and lighting efficiency. Furthermore, the society has introduced eco-friendly features such as soft plastic recycling bins and water bottle refill stations in stores.
All these initiatives align with Lincolnshire Co-op’s long-term sustainability goals, which are being measured and validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative.
