Sainsbury's opens first 'Triple Zero' supermarkets

Sainsbury's new supermarket in Leicester is one of two 'Triple Zero' stores the retailer has just opened.

It is the high street chain's most environmentally friendly store to date with ‘Triple Zero’ meaning zero carbon emissions from all operational energy used; zero waste to landfill; and zero impact on the water usage of the local catchment area (because of its 'Water Neutral' status).

Neil Sachdev, Sainsbury's property director, commented: "We aim to be the UK's Greenest Grocer and achieve our 20x20 target to reduce our operational carbon emissions by 30 per cent absolute. To do this we're now building and running highly sustainable, low carbon stores.

"Our new 'Triple Zero' stores in Leicester and Weymouth Gateway are examples of how we're achieving this, by using power generated from waste in our supply chain and 'Water Neutral', which includes offsetting partnerships in the local community."

One hundred per cent of the store's electricity and heating is provided by an onsite generator, meaning all operational energy used will be zero carbon. The combined heat and power system uses natural gas from the national gas grid. The equivalent amount of zero carbon biogas, required for the store each year, will be imported into the network from one of its Dairy Development Group farmer's anaerobic digestion facilities in West Sussex, thus creating a closed loop.

Also, like all Sainsbury's stores, none of its waste goes to landfill. Any surplus food is donated to local charities or made into animal feed, and when it's not suitable for consumption it's used to generate energy through anaerobic digestion. And, all general waste is recycled or turned into fuel.