Bidding to become self-sufficient Creating a sustainable society for all covers numerous aspects but , as Central Co-op ’ s solar efforts suggest , a significant proportion of the strategy relates to energy usage and becoming more selfsufficient in this space .
In the relatively near future , it is hoped the organisation will be producing 100 % of its own power , which is evidently a big ask . Nevertheless , things are most certainly heading in the right direction .
Lockwood forecasts that the solutions currently being put into place at convenience stores will produce around 30 % of the energy needed in a supermarket setting . Within that , simple steps have been
2014
Year founded
7,000 + Number of Employees
£ 961.4mn Revenue taken such as investment in more efficient freezers and putting doors on chiller cabinets .
“ It all contributes ,” Lockwood goes on . “ It ’ s all very well producing green electricity , but it ’ s no good if you ’ re then burning it off really quickly .”
That all-important co-operative team spirit is truly coming to the fore from an energy perspective , with the launch of a new consortium including Central Co-op and a host of independent co-ops . The goal is to collaborate on the purchase of utilities , while sharing knowledge and investment opportunities .
“ This is a journey we ’ re going on together ,” says Lockwood . “ We ’ re trying to share that
technologymagazine . com 61