Tesco collaborates with suppliers to cut carbon and energy use

Tesco is launching a collaborative buying club to help suppliers invest in energy efficient lighting equipment and installations, the retailer announced today.


The scheme will work by “utilising the collective purchasing power” of the suppliers in the Tesco Knowledge Hub – an online community for Tesco suppliers which encourages members to share best practice in carbon reduction – to negotiate discounts on energy efficient lighting equipment.

According to Tesco, savings of up to 25% will be available on the cost of equipment, which it says could result in savings of up to 80% on energy bills.

In addition to financial savings, members of the Buying Club will be offered advice and guidance on the equipment they need and the energy savings available.

The Buying Club, which has been developed in collaboration with the Carbon Trust, will be available to the 700 plus businesses that are members of the Tesco Knowledge Hub.

Tesco climate change manager Chloe Meacher said: “The Knowledge Hub is already established as a great forum for our suppliers to share what they’ve done to reduce their impact on the environment and help others to do the same through online discussions and site visits.

“Our suppliers have told us that cost and lack of knowledge can be the biggest barriers to making investment in energy savings. The Buying Club will address these concerns and support them in reducing their carbon footprint in a really practical way,” added Meacher.

Director of Energy Efficiency Ventures at The Carbon Trust, Bruno Gardner, said: “Energy efficient lighting is one of the best investments many businesses can make right now. In theory it should be an easy decision, but in practice that’s not always the case”.

The Buying Club will launch on October 2 2013. Tesco will look to explore how this concept could be extended to other areas and cover a wider range of energy saving equipment.

Leigh Stringer

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

Subscribe