MITIE and Waitrose partner up again to cut carbon

An advanced low carbon energy centre at Waitrose Bracknell was opened yesterday by the Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change Greg Barker.


Using sustainable local woodchip to power, heat and cool the store; Waitrose Bracknell will be almost completely independent of the National Grid.

The centre, developed by Sustainability Leaders Awards 2012 finalist MITIE, will cut the store’s carbon emissions by more than 750 tonnes per year – the equivalent to 1,500 transatlantic flights. It will also save the store 69% of grid electricity and 84% of gas.

£150,000 will be added to the local economy as the centre creates jobs and purchases local supplies.

MITIE’s asset Management business managing director Mike Tivey, who will operate the energy centre over a 12-year contract, said:

“In an increasingly volatile energy market this advanced new energy centre reduces Waitrose’s reliance on the grid and provides economic and predictably priced energy.

“This will not just have a positive environmental impact, but create jobs and prosperity in the local economy, and is a perfect example of the many benefits on-site energy generation can provide our communities with.”

This is the second such energy centre MITIE has developed in partnership with Waitrose: the first centre was opened at Waitrose East Cowes in March.

Conor McGlone

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