14 DAY TRIAL // A so-called Triple 0 Sainsbury's store opened in Leicester, UK this November 27. It's still unclear where the double 0 in agent 007's nickname came from, but this brand-new grocery store owes its moniker to the fact that is sends absolutely no waste to landfill, and is both carbon and water neutral.
Information shared with the public says that the store also packs a rooftop solar array made up of over 1,200 panels, and 120 prismatic roof lights that allow it to make the most of whatever natural light is available during the day.
Otherwise put, curbing energy consumption is a priority despite the fact that the store is partly powered by a green energy source.
According to Business Green, the Triple 0 Sainsbury's store in Leicester also relies on natural refrigeration, and its timber frame has a low carbon footprint.
The store manages to send no waste whatsoever to landfill by being involved in re-use, recycling and waste-to-energy campaign, the same source details.
As far as its carbon neutrality is concerned, Paul Crewe explains that, “We're able to take the store completely off the grid with our combined heat and power unit and we are purchasing green gas certificated from one of our dairy partners to fuel it.”
In order to achieve water neutrality, the store had to do more than just reduce its own consumption to a great extent. Thus, it had to enter a partnership with local communities and help them improve on their water footprint as well.
“Against our 2006 baseline a similar store built now uses 70 per cent less water than one built then. But we still need to use some potable water and is has to come from the mains.”
“So we've managed to work with the local community and local schools and colleges to introduce technology to their premises so they use less water going forward. Basically, after we've arrived the water usage in the area will be lower,” details Paul Crewe.
The eco-friendly Sainsbury's store in Leicester is not the first of its kind to open in the UK. Thus, about a week ago, the company cut the ribbon on another Triple 0 grocery store in Weymouth Gateway.