Aldi Ireland has announced that it intends to become carbon neutral by 2019.
The German-based discount retailer has been investing heavily in a long-term carbon management programme to see its 132 stores a two distribution centres lower its carbon footprint.
In Ireland, Aldi has already significantly reduced its footprint in recent years by upgrading its stores with energy-efficient equipment.
Finbar McCarthy, group buying director, said, “Becoming carbon neutral is a key part of our Corporate Responsibility commitments.
“We are continually reviewing our operations to reduce emissions and be kinder to the environment, while also future-proofing our growing store portfolio for many years to come.”
Green Business
Between its stores and logistics centres, Aldi has already cut greenhouse gas emissions per square metre of sales floor by 58% since 2012.
During this time, it has increased the purchase of green electricity to 100%, implemented an ISO 50001 certified energy management system, and invested over €2.5 million this year in environmentally friendly refrigeration systems which will be installed across all new stores.
Aldi will also buy offsets and work with ClimatePartner to support a range of green projects in countries like Peru, Ghana, Vietnam, and India.
All of the projects, it says, contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and will complement Aldi’s wider corporate and social responsibility pledge.
© 2018 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Aidan O’Sullivan. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
