SuperValu and Centra’s sustainability upgrades lead to significant energy savings
Upgrades in 23 stores and 40 affordable homes across Ireland lead to energy savings equivalent of powering over 800 Irish homes
Print4 September 2023
SuperValu and Centra stores have joined Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in its ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ initiative which spearheads environmental change in both the retail sector and communities across Ireland.
For the 11th consecutive year, the initiative will see selected SuperValu and Centra stores upgrade areas of their operations to ensure a high standard of sustainability and energy efficiency.
This year, 23 stores took part in the initiative. The combined energy savings from these stores is 6.3 million KWH, which is enough to power 861 Irish homes.
The SEAI partnership complements, Musgrave’s overall sustainability strategy and commitment to achieving a 12% carbon reduction target by 2023 and net zero carbon target by 2040.
Through collaboration with its network of independent retailers, Musgrave has enabled them to achieve more than three quarters of its 12% carbon reduction target as a result of a first of its kind €25 million sustainability fund launched last year to empower retailers to achieve net zero carbon by 2040. The fund will lead to a 10,000 tonnes carbon footprint reduction among the Musgrave retail network.
For the first time, this year’s initiative also sees a contribution made to not-for-profit affordable housing charity Clúid Housing. The grant supported 40 Dublin based Clúid houses to raise their BER (Building Energy Certificate) rating from D2 to B2, which is an important indicator of energy performance and efficiency. The results of this will be felt by residents both in the comfort of their home, and their electricity bills.
The participating SuperValu and Centra stores this year underwent a range of extensive works, from installation of solar panels to upgrading refrigeration and freezers. Many of the stores have previously taken part in the initiative, with the with 2022 / 2023 upgrades including the installation of over 6,400 solar PV panels as well as new lighting fixtures and refrigeration.
Individual stores select community organisations in their area who they feel would benefit from support to improve the energy efficiency of their own buildings and facilities, ensuring the mission of sustainable energy reduction is delivered throughout local communities.
The stores involved in this year’s Building Sustainable Communities initiative were SuperValu Deansgrange, Dublin; SuperValu Blanchardstown, Dublin; SuperValu Sutton, Dublin; SuperValu Donabate, Dublin; SuperValu Killester, Dublin; SuperValu Talbot Street, Dublin; SuperValu Bray, Wicklow; SuperValu Togher, Cork; SuperValu Glanmire, Cork; SuperValu Carrigaline, Cork; SuperValu Tower, Cork; SuperValu Ballincollig, Cork; Centra Innishannon, Cork; Centra Mallow – Spa Glen, Cork; SuperValu Tramore, Waterford; SuperValu Ballyragget, Kilkenny; SuperValu Loughrea, Galway; Centra Lough Atalia, Galway; SuperValu Castleisland, Kerry; SuperValu Kilcock, Meath; SuperValu Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary; Centra Mullingar, Westmeath; Centra Drumlish, Longford; and SuperValu Cloyne, Co. Cork.
Tanya Osborne, Community Energy Grants (CEG) programme executive at SEAI said it is SEAI’s mission to highlight the importance of sustainable energy and celebrate the work achieved in collaboration with SuperValu and Centra through the years.
She said: “Creating a more sustainable society is at the core of everything we do at SEAI, and we firmly believe in the importance of working together to enact change. SEAI works with individuals, businesses and organisations across Ireland by providing grant support for much-needed energy upgrades.
‘Building Sustainable Communities’ closely aligns with our values and demonstrates the power of businesses and communities coming together. We are very grateful to SuperValu and Centra collaborating with us once again on this important initiative.”
“It is a privilege to again partner with SEAI for this initiative which will certainly enable all stores, organisations and homes involved to significantly lower their energy bills and enhance their sustainable energy output,” said Daniel Murphy, sustainability manager for SuperValu and Centra.
Brendan Cunningham, head of investment planning at Clúid Housing added: “We are passionate about delivering quality housing for all, so we are delighted to partner with SuperValu, Centra and SEAI in this extremely important initiative. ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ has allowed 40 households to live in more energy efficient homes which not only benefits the environment but also lowers energy costs.”
SuperValu and Centra are part of the Musgrave Group, Ireland’s largest grocery and food distributors. With 220 stores throughout Ireland, SuperValu has served the people of Ireland for over 30 years and are deeply engrained in the roots of the Irish communities that they have stores. Centra maintains a reputation for quality, value and friendly service, with stores in over 465 locations throughout the country.
To learn how you can make small changes with a big impact, see www.supervalu.ie/about/sustainability, www.centra.ie, www.musgravemarketplace.ie
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