B&Q’s new low carbon store in Tamworth, Staffordshire, is trialling new technologies as part of the company’s drive to cut its overall carbon footprint by 90% by 2023.

Opened last week, occupying 45,000 sq feet and providing 110 jobs, the Tamworth store has been designed with sustainability in mind.

Technologies including double lobby doors and windows which automatically close and open according to the temperature, sun-pipe lighting to make the most of natural daylight and rainwater to flush loos are all installed.

The store has also reduced its impact on the environment by stopping air leaking from the building and putting in draft lobbies to cut heat loss.

Not only does this reduce the heat demand but, according to B&Q, it should also cut the store’s carbon usage by more than 20%.

Store manager, Dave Beech, said: “We have built an eco-store of the future that Tamworth can be proud of.”

Luke Walsh

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe