SuperValu and Centra stores once again spearhead environmental change
Extensive store energy upgrades equivalent of powering over 470 houses in Ireland per year
Print6 December 2021
For the 10th consecutive year, SuperValu and Centra stores have joined forces with the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) to lead the way in terms of environmental change in the Irish retail sector and beyond.
Through their ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ initiative, SuperValu and Centra stores identify and upgrade areas of their own operations which can be made more energy efficient, in keeping with the priority to deliver high standards of energy efficiency and encourage renewable energy usage. The updates installed throughout the SuperValu and Centra stores this year will save an average of 150,000 KWH of energy per year, an average energy reduction of 35% per store involved.
The retail giants also nominate community buildings in their areas to donate funds to, and in turn, these organisations utilise the money by upgrading their own buildings and facilities in a similar manner.
Through their continuous support of this initiative over the last ten years, both SuperValu and Centra are demonstrating their commitment to further reducing energy costs, fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions, staying on track to reach net zero carbon by 2050.
In addition to this they are once again demonstrating their long-standing objective to continue improving their surrounding local communities by nominating community buildings and clubs across the country to benefit from the scheme.
This year’s clubs and organisations included:
- Ballyphehane Community Association, Cork
- Glanmire Community College, Cork
- Cobh GAA Club, Cork
- Dingle GAA Club, Kerry
- Ballygunner GAA, Waterford
- Waterpark Rugby Club, Waterford
- Mervue UTD, Galway
- Beagh GAA Club, Galway
These community buildings saw numerous works carried out over the last year including the installation of solar PV panels, cavity insulation, fitting of new energy efficient windows and doors, roof insulation, heat pumps and fitting of new light fixtures. The total annual saving for these eight buildings is almost €25,000 and this equates to powering 39 homes in Ireland every year.
The 13 stores involved in this year’s Building Sustainable Communities initiative were:
- SuperValu Kilbarry Centre, Waterford
- SuperValu Gort, Galway
- SuperValu Loughrea, Galway
- SuperValu Callan, Kilkenny
- SuperValu Cobh, Cork
- SuperValu Grange, Cork
- SuperValu Celbridge, Kildare
- SuperValu Carrickmacross, Monaghan
- SuperValu Castlerea, Roscommon
- SuperValu Kells, Meath
- Centra Moville, Donegal
- Centra Clarina, Limerick
- Centra Lough Atalia, Galway
It is not the first occasion being involved in this initiative for the majority of these stores, with work completed previously such as lighting upgrades and refrigeration and freezer upgrades. For the 2021 initiative, over 2,500 solar PV panels were installed, as well as new lighting fixtures and refrigeration and freezer upgrades.
Dr Ciaran Byrne, director of National Retrofit at SEAI said the organisation was “constantly striving” to increase awareness of energy and environmental issues and paid tribute to partners SuperValu and Centra for their support over the last decade.
“It is hugely important to create and maintain sustainable communities, and we understand that each, and every one of us must play our part,” he said. “SEAI works with communities by offering grant support for much needed energy upgrades. This brings businesses such as these energy-leading SuperValu and Centra stores, and the broader community together in a positive way that results in warmer and more energy efficient homes and buildings.
“The ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ initiative is a great example of businesses helping organisations in their community and we are yet again very grateful for SuperValu and Centra’s involvement over the last ten years,“ Dr Byrne added.
Echoing Mr Byrne’s sentiments, Daniel Murphy, sustainability manager for SuperValu and Centra said: “SuperValu and Centra are ever committed to creating and maintaining a sense of togetherness within our local communities and we want to lead by example when it comes to sustainability energy reduction. We firmly believe that by beginning in our own stores, our customers will follow suit and make more sustainable and energy efficient choices in their own lives too.”
“We are proud to partner with the SEAI for this initiative,” he added, “and we hope that our combined contribution, and that of our retailers, will help all local organisations involved to lower their energy bills and thus allowing them to invest further in the wonderful work that they do.”
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 or follow #SustainableSundays #EverythingYouNeed or #ThereWhenYouNeedUs on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
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