Southern Co-op goes green with motor racing blade technology and solar panels in Gosport and Havant

The Southern Co-op, is installing EcoBlades - twin-bladed shelf-edge strips - in its fridges across stores in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, West Sussex and Dorset.

The strips were developed by motor racing engineer Wirth Research and they use airflow to reduce cold air being lost into the aisles - the same technique used to direct airflow efficiently around racing cars.

Alongside the refrigeration technology installation, more solar panels are also being fitted at locations in Gosport’s Forton Road, Lee-on-the-Solent’s Twyford Drive, and The Oaks Crematorium, in Havant.

Gemma Lacey, director of sustainability and communications, said: ‘There has been lots of work going on behind the scenes to reduce our carbon emissions including movement sensors to control lighting in back office areas, energy efficient lighting and new improved doors for refrigeration where suitable.

‘Last year we also began a pilot solar panel scheme in four locations which has played a significant part in our efforts to tackle climate change. Overall, we have reduced our total carbon emissions by 25 per cent since 2012.

‘Whilst this is all good progress, given the urgent need to accelerate action on climate change, there is a need to go further, faster. Our Climate Action Group is currently developing a pathway to net zero carbon with plans to define specific targets and actions over the coming months.’

The new EcoBlade technology is expected to reduce energy consumption of the refrigeration by up to 25 per cent. It acts as an invisible air curtain keeping warm air out and cool air in.

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The system is initially being trialled at The Co-operative Food stores in Hayling Island’s Elm Grove, Lee-on-the-Solent’s High Street, Portsmouth’s Eastney Road, Portsmouth’s New Road, Alresford’s West Street, Bosham’s Delling Lane, Colden Common’s St Vigor Way, Freshwater’s Afton Road, Sturminster’s Station Road and Wittering’s Cakeham Road.

Emma McVie, Southern Co-op’s project manager, said: ‘If this trial is a success, we could roll out the technology to all 100 of these stores and make a substantial reduction in our carbon emissions.’

Southern Co-op has pledged to play its part locally and globally to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals which focus on addressing the world’s biggest challenges including climate change.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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