Mayo SuperValu store halves its carbon emissions through sustainability initiative

SUPERVALU has invested €7.9 million in sustainability initiatives across its stores over the past six months, including in Mayo.

Of this figure, some €4.1 million was drawn down from a major sustainability fund announced by Musgrave in June 2022 while an additional €3.8 million spend has been matched by independent SuperValu retailers.

The Musgrave sustainability fund runs up until the end of 2023. It provides a share of €25 million investment in SuperValu stores across the island of Ireland. So far, 77 SuperValu stores in the Republic of Ireland have availed of the fund.

These retailers have achieved a reduction of 2,094 tonnes of carbon through the fund already, which is equivalent to planting 78,615 trees. Many other SuperValu retailers are planning to use the fund to introduce their own sustainability measures in 2023.

This fund is part of the company’s commitment to achieve nett zero carbon by 2040. Through the fund, stores can avail of funding for LED lighting, refrigeration and freezer upgrades, electronic shelf edge labels (eSELs), solar panels, and electric delivery vans.

One store to avail of the fund was SuperValu Westport, which introduced sustainability initiatives including a retrofit of LED lighting, refrigeration and freezer upgrades, and the installation of electronic shelf edge labels (eSELs).

The initiatives implemented so far have seen a 43% reduction in carbon emissions at the Mayo-based store, with more plans for further sustainability initiatives in 2023.

As part of its nett zero journey, last year SuperValu removed over 35 tonnes of plastic packaging while 376 tonnes of non-recyclable black plastic trays across fresh meat and fish changed over to recyclable clear plastic.

SuperValu has committed to 100% of its fruit and vegetable, own-brand and in-store packaging being recyclable, reusable or compostable within the next three years. To date, SuperValu has achieved 95% of its 100% packaging goal.

Said Liam Campion, store manager, SuperValu Westport: “At SuperValu Westport, we are acutely aware of the responsibility that rests with all of us in relation to climate action, both individually and collectively. SuperValu Westport plays a vital role within the local community, and we need to both educate and lead by example in the fight against climate change.

“Following significant investment, I am delighted to announce our store has reduced carbon outputs by almost half (43%) - a significant milestone for the business and one that will have tangible benefits for the local community. And we won’t stop there. As a community hub, we are committed to reaching nett zero by 2040 and we will continue to enhance sustainability measures across the store.”