Grocery shop in Co Mayo achieves 59% carbon reduction in the past 12 months

As part of the significant store investment, SuperValu Ballyhaunis in Co Mayo has incorporated a number of sustainability upgrades to enhance the efficiency of the store.

This includes the upgrading of refrigerators and freezers and the installation of LED lighting and Electric Shelf Edge Labels (eSELs).

In addition to this, 282 solar panels have been installed at the store in the last few months, which is the equivalent of powering 23 homes a year.

Supplementing these energy efficiencies, the store offers organic and eco-offerings to the forefront for customers, providing an enhanced organic section, loose fruit and vegetables, plant-based section, Taste of Local section, a reduced to clear section, a sustainability champion member of staff, bike rack and segregated recycling bins.

SuperValu Ballyhaunis is also very active in the local community, supporting Ballyhaunis GAA Club, Tooreen Hurling Club, St Jarlath's GAA Club as well as the local Tidy Towns campaign with the Ballyhaunis store investing around €20,000 in local initiatives annually.

Jeff Nolan of SuperValu Ballyhaunis said they are acutely aware of the responsibility that rests with all of us in relation to climate action, both individually and collectively.

"The changes we have made in store because of our store revamp and the sustainability fund investment have allowed us to achieve a 59% carbon reduction.

"For example, we have installed new freezers with plug in units.

"We look forward to building on these actions and making every day real sustainable action accessible for our loyal customers.

"As a community hub, we are committed to reaching Net Zero by 2040 and we will continue to enhance sustainability measures across our store to play our part," said Mr Nolan.

To date, a total of 71 SuperValu stores have installed over 25,100 solar panels, generating enough electricity to power 2,115 homes in Ireland per year. 100 SuperValu stores will have solar panels by the end of 2025.

SuperValu retailers have achieved an estimated 12% carbon reduction in stores across the country over the last 2 years because of the Musgrave Sustainability Fund.