our values in action
at the forefront of combating global climate change
The Co-operative is one of the world's largest supporters of renewable energy programmes,
and as such we seek to be among the world’s leading businesses in taking up the challenge of tackling global climate change.
We have over 5,000 branches powered by renewable energy, and all of our big businesses report on their energy consumption and carbon emissions. Here are some examples of how our values have driven initiatives that tackle climate change:
Installing photovoltaic panels at schools across the UK
The Co-operative is investing in clean solar energy, and our Green Energy for Schools campaign aims to provide sustainable renewable power to over 160 schools, and educate the next generation about renewable energy and climate change. More about Green Energy for Schools.
Building the UK’s largest solar panel project
The Solar Tower project is the UK’s largest solar power installation, a £5.5m project has transformed the 400ft landmark CIS Tower into a facility capable of producing on-site renewable energy ‑ regardless of the weather. More about the Solar Tower project.
Supporting the construction of six new wind turbines
In September 2004 the Merchant Wind project was established, with a £4m eight-year contract agreed with green electricity generator Ecotricity. More about the Merchant Wind project.
Building the largest in-house office waste-recycling centre in the UK
Our recycling centre takes our office waste paper and transforms it into pulp, ready to be used in the toilet rolls we sell in-store.