Midcounties Co-operative has announced a 10% reduction of its energy use since 2015, saving more than 6,000 tonnes of emissions.
Through efforts across its Food, Travel, Childcare, Funeral, and Healthcare businesses, the society says it is on track to improve its energy efficiency by 20% by 2026, despite a period of business growth.
The society made the announcement to help mark Big Energy Saving Week (21-27 January), a national campaign to help people cut their energy bills and get all the financial support they are entitled to.
As well as targeting emissions across its trading sites, colleagues have led environmental campaigns through Midcounties’ ‘Sustainable Communities’ programme. The initiative, launched last year, aims to engage people across communities to work together to be more eco-friendly and reduce emissions in schools and homes.
This includes enlisting members and pupils from Midcounties’ partner schools to sign up to the Green Pledge challenge, which encouraged them to make a series of eco pledges and commit to reducing their energy usage day to day.
Mike Pickering, manager for corporate social responsibility at Midcounties, said: “Big Energy Saving Week is a great opportunity for individuals and businesses to consider ways to reduce their carbon footprint. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made to date but know there’s more to be done. We know this issue is close to the hearts of our members, too, and it’s good to see so many of them sign up to the Green Pledge challenge already.
“We’re encouraging everyone to look at small changes they can make to reduce the amount of energy they use. We all have a part to play in reducing the strain upon the planet’s natural resources and create a more positive impact on the environment.”
