Officeworks launches lowest emissions store
June 21, 2023
As part of Officeworks’ transition to 100% renewable energy by 2025, the business has switched on its first solar and battery-operated store in Warana, Queensland.
The Warana store on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast will be Officeworks’ first store that will be powered by 100 kW of solar PV and a 100 kWh lithium battery. These features will help the organisation in reducing its carbon footprint and is a step forward in its ongoing commitment to taking meaningful climate action.
The 1,722 sqm store has been working towards operating off 100% renewable energy for two years and has previously implemented sustainability measures including LED light fixtures, a Building Energy Management system (BEMS), thermal roof coating and double insulation in the roof. The installation of the 100 kW of solar PV and a 100 kWh lithium battery is the final stage in achieving this goal, alongside their partnership with CleanCo.
Officeworks Energy and Carbon Manager, Patrick Heagney said: “When fully charged, the solar and battery will have enough energy to power approximately 70% of the store, or 35-40 residential homes each day. While Warana is the first Officeworks store capable of using 100% renewable energy, much of our store network uses onsite generation and where possible renewable electricity procurement.”
“By 2025 all Queensland stores will operate using 100% renewable energy, which is an important step as a brand, as we work towards using 100% renewable energy by 2025 and net-zero emissions by 2030.”
Officeworks established its first long-term agreement with a clean energy provider in Queensland in 2022. In collaboration with Bunnings, Kmart and Target, the agreement will see Officeworks’ Queensland sites having the balance of their renewable electricity provided by CleanCo, a Queensland Government-owned renewable energy company, from 2025, generated at large-scale wind and solar farms.
Officeworks Managing Director Sarah Hunter said: “While the agreement with CleanCo was a step towards Queensland stores sourcing 100% renewable electricity by 2025 and a net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, the launch of our first behind the meter green energy powered store in Warana is yet another significant step forward in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and operate in a sustainable way.”
“We know sustainability in all areas of our business is important to our customers, and those who want to make more sustainable choices are shopping with retailers who reflect their values. It gives us great pride to know we are making great progress towards our People and Planet Positive 2025 Plan goal of being fully powered by renewable energy by 2025,” said Hunter.
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