Central Co-op takes home the title for Sustainability Retailer of the Year at The Convenience Awards 2024
Posted by lauryn mellor | Published: 22/03/2024
Central Co-op is thrilled to announce that it has taken home the title of the prestigious Sustainability Retailer of the Year at The Convenience Awards 2024. This award, presented at one of the convenience industry's most esteemed events, recognises Central Co-op's outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability.
The Convenience Awards serve as a platform to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations contributing to the advancement of the convenience industry. The Sustainability Retailer of the Year award specifically acknowledges retailers' efforts in improving their environmental credentials, encompassing factors such as energy reduction, waste management and sustainable packaging.
Central Co-op's success in winning this award highlights the significant strides it has taken towards sustainability across its trading estate. Notably, its store located on Dodworth High Street in Barnsley, which stands out as one of the most environmentally efficient within the Society.
The win is a testament to Central Co-op's dedication to implementing innovative sustainability initiatives, including the installation of solar photovoltaic panels across its estate and its commitment to waste reduction, which has witnessed a 20% reduction since 2017 and created up to a million meals per year for those in need within the communities it serves.
Central Co-op has also demonstrated its dedication to sustainability beyond its operational practices by investing £350,000 in creating sustainable spaces outside its retail locations. These spaces, developed in partnership with Groundwork, aim to provide green areas for communities to enjoy while promoting environmental education and awareness.
Central Co-op's win at The Convenience Awards 2024 reflects its ongoing commitment to fostering sustainability and environmental responsibility within the retail sector.
By prioritising initiatives that reduce energy consumption, minimise waste and engage with local communities, such as the implementation of Electronic Shelf Edge Labels across all stores, the Society has significantly reduced printing costs contributing towards its commitment to the environment.
In 2023, Central Co-op also introduced six all-electric hearses and limousines plus 29 hybrid ceremonial vehicles, further demonstrating its commitment to having a more environmentally friendly funeral business. And, for the first time, the Society brought 6 all-electric private ambulances into its fleet. Purchasing these vehicles has removed 41 combustion engine vehicles from its overall funeral fleet.
Central Co-op’s relationship with partner, Olio enables the Society to redistribute food and significantly reduce waste through its online platform which is both accessible and free. With Olio, Central Co-op aims to expand the scope of its redistribution efforts, engaging volunteers who collect surplus food daily from stores. This decentralised approach maximises community benefit while minimising waste, as more individuals and families gain access to essential resources.
Increasing its number of NetZero EPC rated stores, further reducing its carbon footprint and generating sustainable solar energy are further examples of Central Co-op continuing to lead by example in driving positive change towards a more sustainable future.
For more information on Central Co-op's initiatives, visit centralcoop.co.uk or find out more on socials. Details on becoming a Member can be found on membership.centralengland.coop/.
ENDS
For press information
Press Office
pressoffice@centralcoop.co.uk
Lauryn Mellor, PR and Media Specialist at Central Co-op
lauryn.mellor@centralcoop.co.uk
07385 048004