Store Design
The design of Foodstuffs' stores takes into account a number of
considerations such as environmentally friendly building materials,
the local landscape and aesthetics, and also crime minimisation. We
also encourage the use of native plants as well as rain gardens for
on-site stormwater filtration.
The New World store in Lincoln is a great example of our
sustainability practices at newer stores. Sustainability is a key
factor in both construction and the day-to-day running of the
supermarket with wind turbines to manufacture some of the power, a
newly developed non-PVC flooring system and CO2 refrigeration. Find
out more about the Lincoln New World store.
Energy efficiency
Where possible, Foodstuffs' stores and wholesale facilities make
use of advances in energy efficiency technology when selecting
equipment such as air-conditioning, refrigeration and ovens.
Regular monitoring and maintenance is undertaken to ensure that
Foodstuffs' equipment always operates in an efficient manner. For
example, refrigeration is to run at optimal temperature and
automatic start/stop or timer controls are used.
Most new stores reclaim heat generated from cooling units for
hot water and store heating and facilities are designed to minimise
the loss of hot or cold air from temperature controlled areas.
Night blinds or refrigeration curtains are also used.
All newer and refurbished stores make good use of skylights and
energy efficient lighting, including lighting sensor technology and
the use of lower lighting for after-hours functions such as
shelf-filling and cleaning or during periods of energy
shortage.
Climate change and carbon emissions
Along with using more efficient technologies, the use of more
environment friendly inputs such as CO2 refrigerants is continually
reviewed by Foodstuffs. In addition our newer facilities also use
gas loss detection systems.
Deliveries continue to be consolidated and back-loaded where
possible to reduce vehicle movements and emissions. Other
initiatives are being developed, for example, using a recyclable
plastic pallet bin to improve load space utilisation, transport
efficiency and transit damage.
Good pedestrian links to stores as well as bike rack facilities
are provided where possible.
Water conservation
All new stores are designed to minimise water use and
wastage in accordance with the NZ Building Code and any applicable
Council bylaws. Rainfall roof collection are also used.
Tempering valves are used on hand wash taps to minimise hot
water usage, except where higher temperatures are required for food
safety hygiene.
Where possible leakage alarm systems are used for the early
detection of water leaks in floor ducts.
Waste reduction
Foodstuffs is a member of the New Zealand Packaging Council and
a signatory to the Packaging Accord. We play an active role in
promoting the sustainable use of packaging and are committed to
participating in the new packaging product stewardship programme
currently under development.
As part of this we encourage our suppliers to accept
responsibility for the environmental effects of their products and
to comply with the Code of Practice for the Packaging of Consumer
Goods, which promotes excellence in the environmental design of
packaging.
At Foodstuffs we run a number of in-store initiatives for waste
reduction, these include the recycling of trade packaging and
electronic waste, as well as distributing organic waste to local
farmers where possible.
Stores are encouraged to donate unsaleable but safe and edible
product to local charities, however this is always subject to
stringent food safety requirements.
Trade packaging such as cardboard and shrink wrap is also
recovered for recycling.
Reducing Plastic Bag Usage
Foodstuffs has been involved in a number of initiatives to
reduce the impact of plastic checkout bags on the environment.
Over the past five years we have worked with the Packaging
Accord, which has resulted in a 22 per cent reduction in plastic
bag usage across Accord participants.
Keep NZ Beautiful
As part of Foodstuffs' commitment to reducing plastic bag usage,
from June 2009 Foodstuffs started working with Keep New Zealand
Beautiful. The sponsorship by Foodstuffs means Keep New Zealand
Beautiful can continue its litter abatement and cleanup activities
across the country. We chose Keep New Zealand Beautiful because of
their iconic 'Be a Tidy Kiwi' and 'Do the Right Thing'
messages.
The sponsorship programme also covers several events throughout
the year including New World stores sponsoring the Keep New Zealand
Beautiful annual Clean Up Week in September, and Four Square stores
sponsoring the civic pride event "Best Towns, Cities and Streets"
Awards. For more information visit the Keep New
Zealand Beautiful website.