M&S unveils super-efficient eco-store

The refitted store includes LED lighting on all refrigeration cases, a heat reclaim system and intelligent door sensors helping to improve store energy efficiency by 20%.

The store is part of M&S’ Plan A initiative “to become the world’s most sustainable retailer”. In March, the company completed the installation of a 24,000 solar-panel array on the roof of its East Midlands distribution centre.

Head of Plan A Mike Barry said: “M&S Newcastle is one of our most important stores so the finished green wall and store’s eco-energy refit is hugely exciting for everyone at M&S.”

Aside from the green wall, the store has some major energy saving innovations, including a heat pump that will capture waste-heat from the store’s refrigeration system and use it to warm the Food Hall. High velocity air curtains will also provide an insulating ‘air curtain’ between the store and outside, saving more energy.

Smart doors

M&S Newcastle will be one of the first stores to trial intelligent door sensors. With the store in a high-footfall area, the new sensors can differentiate between a passerby and a shopper intending to enter the store. This not only saves energy, but also helps to retain warmth in the Food Hall.

Highlights from our Newcastle store green wall unveiling http://t.co/ru0mCUKpJM #Plan2020 @planamikebarry #greenwall #ecostore

— M&S Corporate PR (@mandspress) March 30, 2015

Last week, M&S head of energy supply and risk Gio Patellaro told edie that “there is no excuse for organisations not to buy green electricity” thanks to the Climate Change Levy on ‘dirty’ electricity.

Gio Patellaro at Sustainability Live 2015

Gio Patellaro will be speaking at edie’s brand new high-level Conference as part of Sustainability Live 2015 in April. In a session titled ‘Energy – the bottom line: use less, make your own, buy smarter’, Patellaro will discuss the three main routes to energy cost reduction: using less, on-site generation and smarter procurement strategies.

Find out more and register to attend Sustainability Live 2015 for FREE here.

Brad Allen