SuperValu And Centra Stores Join Forces With SEAI On Sustainability Initiative

For the 10^th consecutive year, SuperValu and Centra stores have joined forces with the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) on a sustainability initiative. 

Through their ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ initiative, SuperValu and Centra stores have identified and upgraded areas of their own operations which can be made more energy efficient, in keeping with the priority to deliver high standards of energy efficiency and encourage renewable energy usage. 

The updates installed throughout the SuperValu and Centra stores this year will save an average of 150,000 KWH of energy per year, an average energy reduction of 35% per store involved.  

Nominated Community Buildings

The retail giants also nominate community buildings in their areas to donate funds to, and in turn, these organisations utilise the money by upgrading their own buildings and facilities in a similar manner. 

Through their continuous support of this initiative over the last ten years, both SuperValu and Centra are demonstrating their commitment to further reducing energy costs, fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions, staying on track to reach net zero carbon by 2050.  

In addition, they are once again demonstrating their long-standing objective to continue improving their surrounding local communities by nominating community buildings and clubs across the country to benefit from the scheme.  

Dr Ciaran Byrne, director of National Retrofit at SEAI, said the organisation was “constantly striving” to increase awareness of energy and environmental issues and paid tribute to partners SuperValu and Centra for their support over the last decade.  

“It is hugely important to create and maintain sustainable communities, and we understand that each and every one of us must play our part. SEAI works with communities by offering grant support for much needed energy upgrades," he said.

"This brings businesses such as these energy-leading SuperValu and Centra stores, and the broader community, together in a positive way that results in warmer and more energy efficient homes and buildings," Dr.Byrne added. 

 This year’s clubs and organisations included: 

·         Ballyphehane Community Association, Cork 

·         Glanmire Community College, Cork 

·         Cobh GAA Club, Cork 

·         Dingle GAA Club, Kerry 

·         Ballygunner GAA, Waterford 

·         Waterpark Rugby Club, Waterford 

·         Mervue UTD, Galway 

·         Beagh GAA Club, Galway 

These community buildings saw numerous works carried out over the last year, including the installation of solar PV panels, cavity insulation, the fitting of new energy efficient windows and doors, roof insulation, heat pumps and the fitting of new light fixtures. 

The total annual saving for these eight buildings is almost €25,000 and this equates to powering 39 homes in Ireland every year.  

The 13 stores involved in this year’s Building Sustainable Communities initiative were:  

·         SuperValu Kilbarry Centre, Waterford 

·         SuperValu Gort, Galway 

·         SuperValu Loughrea, Galway 

·         SuperValu Callan, Kilkenny 

·         SuperValu Cobh, Cork 

·         SuperValu Grange, Cork 

·         SuperValu Celbridge, Kildare 

·         SuperValu Carrickmacross, Monaghan 

·         SuperValu Castlerea, Roscommon 

·         SuperValu Kells, Meath 

·         Centra Moville, Donegal 

·         Centra Clarina, Limerick 

·         Centra Lough Atalia, Galway 

The majority of these stores had already benefitted from work completed previously as part of the initiative, such as lighting upgrades and refrigeration and freezer upgrades. 

For the 2021 initiative, over 2,500 solar PV panels were installed, as well as new lighting fixtures and refrigeration and freezer upgrades.  

Echoing Mr Byrne’s sentiments, Daniel Murphy, sustainability manager for SuperValu and Centra said, “SuperValu and Centra are ever committed to creating and maintaining a sense of togetherness within our local communities and we want to lead by example when it comes to sustainability energy reduction."

"We firmly believe that by beginning in our own stores, our customers will follow suit and make more sustainable and energy efficient choices in their own lives too,” he added. 

For further information, visit the following websites, SuperValu, Centra, Musgrave Marketplace. 

© 2021 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. For more A-Brands news, click here. Click sign up to subscribe to Checkout.