What’s the issue?

It is undeniable that our climate is changing, and we are already seeing the impact of this change across the world, from increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns to catastrophic natural disasters. We believe that every business has a role to play in reaching a net-zero emissions future and limiting global warming to well below 2°, and preferably 1.5°, this century, compared to pre-industrial levels. This is a limit which scientists say we need to achieve if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change and is the goal of the global Paris Agreement.

What are we doing?

Over the last five years we’ve invested in energy efficiency initiatives that reduce our energy consumption, because the most sustainable energy is the energy you don’t need in the first instance. This has been the primary driver of reducing our emissions by 32% since 2015, despite growing our store network.

As we now look to increase the role of renewable energy, this year we started the first phase of our onsite solar energy rollout, with the first seven stores installed. Data from these initial installations shows that the solar energy systems have, on average, reduced electricity consumption needed from the grid by over 50%. Importantly, the insights from the process, including how we best engage with landlords, has informed our approach for our second phase in which we are targeting 50 stores over the next two years.

We are continuing to improve our energy efficiency across all parts of our business. During FY2021, this included conducting a lighting audit across 149 stores to identify other light fixtures that are not yet LED. While all shop floors have LED lighting installed, we identified a further 11,000 light fittings that we can change, including exterior lighting and in the goods-receiving area. Additionally, we opened a new store in Warana that utilised a heat reflective roof paint to reduce the air conditioning requirements at the store.

Focus for FY2022

We will accelerate the rollout of our onsite solar energy systems, and as the cost of batteries continues to reduce look to trial this technology at selected sites, including at our new Victorian Customer Fulfilment Centre. We will continue to invest in energy efficiency initiatives by replacing all non-LED lighting across our Victorian and NSW stores, and review the data of the trials implemented in FY2021 to understand future opportunities. We have entered into an arrangement for renewable energy that supports our commitment to be 100 per cent renewable by 2025. More details to follow in the new year.

Learn more about another 2025 commitment