SuperValu and Centra stores have again joined SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) in their ‘Building Sustainable Communities’.
The initiative 'spearheads environmental change' in both the retail sector and communities across Ireland.
For the 11th consecutive year, the ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ initiative sees selected SuperValu and Centra stores upgrade areas of their operations to ensure a high standard of sustainability and energy efficiency.
23 stores took part in the initiative this year, and the combined energy savings from these stores is 6.3 million KWH, enough to power 861 Irish homes.
The SEAI partnership complements, Musgrave’s overall sustainability strategy and commitment to achieving a 12% carbon reduction target by 2023 and net zero carbon target by 2040.
Tanya Osborne, CEG (Community Energy Grants) programme executive at SEAI said that SEAI’s mission is to highlight the importance of sustainable energy and celebrated the work achieved in collaboration with SuperValu and Centra through the years.
She, said, “Creating a more sustainable society is at the core of everything we do at SEAI, and we firmly believe in the importance of working together to enact change. SEAI works with individuals, businesses and organisations across Ireland by providing grant support for much-needed energy upgrades.
"‘Building Sustainable Communities’ closely aligns with our values and demonstrates the power of businesses and communities coming together. We are very grateful to SuperValu and Centra collaborating with us once again on this important initiative.”
Collaboration
Musgrave recently announced that through collaboration with its network of independent retailers it has enabled them to achieve over three quarters of its 12% carbon reduction target as a result of a first of its kind €25m sustainability fund it launched last year aimed at empowering retailers to achieve net zero carbon by 2040.
The fund will lead to a 10,000 tonnes carbon footprint reduction amongst the Musgrave retail network.
For the first time, this year’s initiative also sees a contribution made to not-for-profit affordable housing charity Clúid Housing.
According to Musgrave, the grant supported 40 Dublin based Clúid houses to raise their BER (Building Energy Certificate) rating from D2 to B2, which is an important indicator of energy performance and efficiency. The results of this will be felt by residents both in the comfort of their home, and their electricity bills.
Extensive Works
The participating SuperValu and Centra stores this year underwent a range of extensive works, from installation of solar panels to upgrading refrigeration and freezers.
Many of the stores have previously taken part in the initiative, with the with 2022 / 2023 upgrades including the installation of over 6,400 solar PV panels as well as new lighting fixtures and refrigeration.
As part of the initiative, individual stores select community organisations in their area who they feel would benefit from support to improve the energy efficiency of their own buildings and facilities, ensuring the mission of sustainable energy reduction is delivered throughout local communities.
Through this initiative, SuperValu and Centra demonstrate their commitment to continue developing a sustainable Irish retail sector by reducing store energy costs, fossil fuel usage and zero carbon emissions.
As well as this, SuperValu and Centra also cement their commitment to local communities across Ireland by making sustainability improvements to both local community organisations and affordable homes.
Participating Stores
The stores involved in this year’s Building Sustainable Communities initiative were:
- SuperValu Deansgrange, Dublin
- SuperValu Blanchardstown, Dublin
- SuperValu Sutton, Dublin
- SuperValu Donabate, Dublin
- SuperValu Killester, Dublin
- SuperValu Talbot Street, Dublin
- SuperValu Bray, Wicklow
- SuperValu Togher, Cork
- SuperValu Glanmire, Cork
- SuperValu Carrigaline, Cork
- SuperValu Tower, Cork
- SuperValu Ballincollig, Cork
- Centra Innishannon, Cork
- Centra Mallow - Spa Glen, Cork
- SuperValu Tramore, Waterford
- SuperValu Ballyragget, Kilkenny
- SuperValu Loughrea, Galway
- Centra Lough Atalia, Galway
- SuperValu Castleisland, Kerry
- SuperValu Kilcock, Meath
- SuperValu Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary
- Centra Mullingar, Westmeath
- Centra Drumlish, Longford
- SuperValu Cloyne, Co. Cork
Echoing Ms Osborne, Daniel Murphy, sustainability manager for SuperValu and Centra, commented, “SuperValu, Centra and our retail partners are committed to working closely with local communities and this is clearly demonstrated through our ‘Building Sustainable Communities initiative.’ We are passionate about promoting sustainable living and this is reflected in the large number of stores who have undergone these works.
“It is a privilege to again partner with SEAI for this initiative which will certainly enable all stores, organisations and homes involved to significantly lower their energy bills and enhance their sustainable energy output.”
More Energy Efficient Homes
Brendan Cunningham, head of investment planning at Clúid Housing remarked that ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ has allowed 40 households to live in more energy efficient homes which not only benefits the environment but also lowers energy costs.
"SuperValu and Centra are part of the Musgrave Group, Ireland's largest grocery and food distributors.
"With 220 stores throughout Ireland, SuperValu has served the people of Ireland for over 30 years and are deeply engrained in the roots of the Irish communities that they have stores. Centra maintains a reputation for quality, value and friendly service, with stores in over 465 locations throughout the country."
