Sainsbury’s has won both the Energy and Carbon categories in the Guardian’s Sustainable Business Awards, with judges recognising the retailer’s “innovative and world-leading work”.
The Energy Award was presented to the retailer for its work on the Hythe store in Kent, which is the world’s first smart grid-ready supermarket. When there is higher demand for power the system activates an onsite biofuel generator, which is fuelled by waste cooking oil from Sainsbury’s stores. The system also automatically manages heating, ventilation and lighting in line with the store’s demands, which further significantly reduces energy use.
The Carbon Award recognises the retailer’s leading work with farming suppliers to reduce their own environmental impact. Sainsbury’s has developed a carbon footprinting tool which has the potential to reduce a farm’s annual energy costs and carbon emissions by 10%.
Neil Sachdev, property director at Sainsbury’s, said: “These are complementary, key awards for us, and it’s a great recognition for the work we are doing. This shows that you can significantly reduce carbon emissions and electricity costs, while creating an outstanding retail environment for both customers and my colleagues working in the stores.
“At Sainsbury’s we’re keenly aware of our responsibilities as a leading retailer. Every day our people are working to reduce our impact on the environment and embed sustainability throughout our business. At the same time we’re helping our suppliers to do the same through reduced costs and carbon emissions.”
In May, the retailer also received the national accolade of Sustainable Business of the Year award at the SustainabilityLive! event in Birmingham.
