“ What we ’ re doing is quite cutting edge for the industry and it ’ s an exciting time for us ”
PAUL LOCKWOOD HEAD OF PROCUREMENT , CENTRAL CO-OP
good information between ourselves to help each other on that journey .
“ There has always been co-operation , but last year – with the energy crisis and cost-ofliving crisis – created a need to do more , and it has been fantastic . Coming together and sharing resources will help us to be more sustainable , not just as individual societies but as a movement .”
Funeral fleet going green Despite the industry ’ s obvious traditions , Central Co-op has been careful not to overlook green aspirations in its funeral business , too . This process has begun with its fleet of vehicles , which can cost upwards of £ 120,000 apiece – making for a complex and expensive transition .
Energy strategy extends to colleagues Crucial to Central Co-op ’ s values is looking after its people , to the extent that its investment in renewable energy capabilities has also been extended to colleagues .
“ It ’ s great investing in our stores ,” continues Lockwood , “ but part of what we do as an organisation is invest in our colleagues .”
After receiving various enquiries , Central Co-op reached an agreement with its solar provider to extend the commercial terms of their deal to staff , giving them the option to purchase clean energy infrastructure such as panels or EV chargers .
“ For us , it ’ s about putting options in front of our colleagues and leaving the decision up to them ,” says the procurement chief . “ It ’ s quite a unique scheme , but it ’ s something we had the ability to do .
“ So far , we ’ ve had about 200 colleagues show interest and it ’ s only been going for a few weeks . It definitely helps as well that we ’ re offering them a trusted provider with a quality product that is going to last .”
64 November 2023