Our energy reduction plan
By 2030, Colruyt Group wants to consume 20% less energy than in 2009 (relatively speaking, in relation to our growing turnover). Our energy reduction plan provides for a structural approach of the biggest consumers: heating, cooling, people and freight transport and lighting.
Saving energy is second nature to us
Our basic principle has always been that the most sustainable energy is the energy you don't consume. In the sixties, our efforts to save energy were motivated primarily by economic considerations, as this allowed us to save costs, which were necessary to guarantee the lowest prices for our customers. In the end, it became second nature to be economical with the available resources, including energy. Today too, we continue our efforts to reduce our energy consumption through our energy reduction plan.
Horizon 2030
Through our energy reduction plan, we are aiming for a 20% reduction of the energy consumption of our activities in Belgium and Luxembourg by 2030 compared to the base year 2009, in relation to the - continuously growing - turnover. Our intermediate target was a relative reduction of 14% by the end of 2020. We did not succeed in this because, for the time being, energy consumption is increasing faster than turnover. This increase in consumption is due to, among other things, further automation, the growing sales of refrigerated products and external activities, such as refrigerated storage. Nevertheless, we are confident our reduction plan will enable us to achieve the target of a 20% reduction by 2030.
Focus on the biggest consumers
Our energy reduction plan focuses on the areas where we can achieve most reductions. In concrete terms, these are major consumers such as heating, cooling, people and freight transport and lighting. Examples of measures with which we save energy.
- Low-energy stores
Since 2007 we only build low-energy stores. These are very economical, thanks to extensive insulation and air tightness, LED lighting and efficient technologies such as cooling systems with heat recovery. At the same time, older shops are renovated to save energy. This means that by 2030 no less than 90% of our stores in Belgium will be low-energy stores. - Freight transport
We save a lot of lorry trips and fuel consumption thanks to, among other things, optimal loading and smart transport planning. - Mobility of workers
We stimulate alternative transport modes and shared commutes. And we invest in regional offices, teleworking and a greener fleet. - Change in behaviour
Apart from structural measures, we also focus strongly on raising awareness and behavioural change. Through energy care campaigns, we make our employees aware that their behaviour can also contribute to energy reduction. We focus on simple actions that make a difference, such as keeping doors closed, de-icing the freezers or switching off the lights.
Our other energy objectives
- By 2030, the synchronisation of electricity production and consumption will amount to at least 90%. This will reduce the load on the public distribution grid, among other things.
- By 2030, 60% of our total energy consumption will come from non-fossil sources, 100% self-generated or locally produced. This limits the energy transport and the associated environmental impact.
