Tesco has invested £25 million in the Sustainable Consumption Institute at the University of Manchester, which researches new ways to help everyone cut their carbon footprint. Every discovery will be freely shared so everyone can benefit. The Institute will also be training the next generation of environmental experts.
Tesco's £100 million Sustainable Technology Fund is finding more practical ways to use renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, and to help develop the green technologies of the future. For example, Tesco is investing in a technology that could turn food waste into power. Tesco is also working with the Carbon Trust and Brunel University to develop trigeneration combined heat and power technology (which captures and reuses heat) for its stores and distribution centres that could save over 10,000 tonnes of CO2 a year.
Tesco has developed a low-carbon blueprint, which means from 2009 onwards all new stores will have a carbon footprint at least half the size of those that were built in the past. Planning permitting, this is how every new store will be built in the UK from now on. Wood frames instead of metal. For every cubic metre of steel that is replaced with timber, Tesco saves almost a tonne of carbon because it is less energy-intensive to produce.
Lots of natural light. By introducing more daylight, it there is a need for less artificial lighting, which means less electricity.
Better ventilation. The new store template has been designed with a more energy-efficient heating and air-conditioning system.
Reducing energy and water. A metering system helps us keep a close eye on how much energy and water is used.
Generate energy. Combined Cooling, Heat and Power (CHP) plants will generate Tesco'sown electricity.
Ecofriendly fridges. Tesco is introducing refrigeration systems that are cooled with carbon dioxide, which is thousands of times less damaging to the climate than traditional fridge gases.
Recyclable signs. Where possible, all new fixtures and signage will be made from materials that are recycled or from sustainable sources and recyclable.
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