New store will help retailer develop knowledge of sustainable construction
In 2007 M&S launched Plan A, an eco and ethical strategy tackling climate change, waste, raw materials, health and being a fair partner. In 2010 the retailer committed to building two sustainable learning retail outlets each year: The first, Ecclesall Road in Sheffield opened its doors in April 2011.
The stores will help M&S develop their knowledge of sustainable construction by trailing new technologies and processes which if successful can be rolled out across their property portfolio. It鈥檚 part of M&S鈥檚 drive to become one of the world鈥檚 most sustainable retailers by 2015.
The Simply Food store was built on the site of an old petrol station, recycling all the construction waste and using reclaimed bricks from a local mill to build the outer shell.
The team overcame retail lighting quality issues often associated with LED lighting, which have been installed throughout, reducing energy consumption by a predicted 25%. A heat reclaim system which recycles the waste heat from refrigerators to heat the building is set to reduce carbon emissions by 23%.
Aiming for a BREEAM Excellent retail rating with a score of 78.49%, head of construction, Munish Datta says: 鈥淓ngaging people in trying to deliver a project like this is all about winning hearts and minds.鈥
鈥淚t鈥檚 about making sure that people are with you in terms of knowing how important it is to create sustainable buildings鈥 then actually they鈥檒l work harder for you to create, and deliver on some of the tough targets that you鈥檝e set for it鈥.
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