National hardware chain Bunnings has this week committed to powering its stores with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 in an effort to reach net zero emissions by 2030.
The business has already been building new stores with energy efficiency in mind, with solar and wind installations at various stores across the country, and this announcement serves to bolster its plan – with another 20 solar PV systems to be built in the next year.
“We recognise that business has an important part to play in reducing carbon emissions and addressing climate change,” Bunnings’ Managing Director, Mike Schnieder, said.
“This is a journey we started some time ago, but we know that we have a long way to go. We are absolutely committed to finding solutions that benefit our business, our customers and the environment and we are excited about what the future looks like.”
Greenpeace’s REenergise campaign director Lindsay Soutar welcomed the business’ commitment, stating it will cut emissions by 257,000 tonnes and lead to around 110MW of new solar and wind investments.
“As one of Australia’s biggest users of energy, this is a fantastic shift away from polluting sources of the past and towards clean, modern renewable energy,” Soutar said.
“When lowest prices are just the beginning, it’s a no-brainer to shift to renewables, which are the cheapest form of new energy,” Soutar added “Commitments like these will drive investment in new wind and solar farms, so as tradies hop in the ute to Bunnings this morning, they can know that their visit will lead to new construction jobs across the country.”
Bunnings is the first of Wesfarmers’ portfolio of brands to make such a commitment – something Greenpeace is keen to see replicated in Target, Kmart and Officeworks.
This story first appeared on our sister publication Inside Retail
