Store design
Store design considers environmentally friendly building
materials, the local landscape and aesthetics, as well as crime
minimisation. We also encourage the use of native plants and rain
gardens for on-site storm water 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 the construction and day-to-day running of the
supermarket, with wind turbines to generate some of the power, a
newly developed non-PVC flooring system, and CO2 refrigeration.
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
equipment is operated in an efficient manner. For example,
refrigeration runs at optimal temperature, and automatic start/stop
or timer controls are used.
Most new stores reclaim heat generated from cooling units for
heating water, and air curtains are used to minimise the loss of
hot or cold air from temperature controlled areas. Night blinds or
refrigeration curtains are also used to reduce energy use during
non-trading hours.
All newer and refurbished stores make good use of skylights and
energy efficient lighting, including lighting sensor technology,
and the use of lower levels of lighting for after-hours functions
such as shelf-filling and cleaning, or during periods of energy
shortages.
Climate change and carbon emissions
Along with using more efficient technologies, Foodstuffs is
moving to use more environment friendly inputs such as CO2
refrigerants where these are cost effective. In addition, our newer
facilities also use gas loss detection systems.
Freight deliveries continue to be consolidated and back-loaded
where possible to reduce vehicle movements and emissions. Reusable
pallets and bins are utilised in our distribution systems to reduce
waste and transit damage and improve load space utilisation, and
transport efficiency.
Whenever practical, our stores have links to public transport
and provide bike racks as alternatives to car travel for our
customers.
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 collection from the roof is also encouraged.
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
we play an active role in promoting the sustainable use of
packaging..
As part of this, we encourage our suppliers to accept
responsibility in terms of 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.
We run a number of in-store initiatives to reduce waste. These
measures include the recovery trade packaging and electronic waste
for recycling, and 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.
Reducing plastic bag usage
Foodstuffs has been involved in a number of initiatives to
reduce the impact of plastic checkout bags on the
environment. As a result of these initiatives we have reduced
our use of single use plastic bags by more than 20%.