The Midcounties Co-operative, one of the largest independent UK co-operatives, has reduced energy usage across its businesses by 11% in a single year (2023/24) as it continues to deliver on its commitment to cut direct GHG emissions by 50% by January 2026.
The reduction has been driven by substantial investment into sustainability initiatives, including an investment of £8.6 million towards energy efficiency projects over the past two years. From replacing refrigeration units in 50 Your Co-op Food stores to implementing LED lighting in 139 more, there has been a quick adoption of innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption.
The 11% reduction has also helped reduce costs as, by saving on 5.2 million kilowatts of electricity, the Society has saved £1.65 million in electricity charges in just one year. The Society remains committed to making further progress and a further £800,000 will be invested in energy efficiency projects over the next 12 months as these innovations are implemented in more stores.
The energy efficiency measures have prevented over 1,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere, solidifying the group’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This has helped the Society reduce its total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 32% compared to 2019 levels – well on course to achieve its target of a 50% reduction in direct emissions by January 2026. In January 2024 the Society’s targets were verified by the Science-based Targets Initiative (SBTi) as in line with the measures required to limit global temperature rise to 1.50C.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed either, as in 2023 The Midcounties Co-operative was honoured at the EDIE Sustainability Leaders Awards, receiving the accolade for Energy Project of the Year. The Midcounties Co-operative is also working with other Co-ops to share best practices and reduce GHG emissions further.
Mike Pickering, head of sustainability for The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “Reducing our energy usage is a core element of our member-led sustainability strategy and the achievements we’ve made to date are a testament to the work of our fantastic colleagues across our Society.
“But we don’t want to stop there, we’ll continue to invest in achieving our overarching sustainability targets, find new ways for our members and customers to make sustainable choices and ensuring that our sites and stores operate as energy efficiently as possible.”
The Midcounties Co-op is fully owned by its 700,000 members and operates the Your Co-op family of businesses, including more than 230 Your Co-op Food stores across the West Midlands, Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. They also trade nationally through its Your Co-op Travel, Your Co-op Childcare, Your Co-op Energy and Your Co-op Broadband and Mobile businesses.
