The team at the East of England Co-op’s Woodbridge supermarket are celebrating after being awarded a Gold Suffolk Carbon Charter accreditation.
The Suffolk Carbon Charter recognises the steps taken by local businesses to reduce their carbon emissions and support the local environment.
The East of England Co-op Woodbridge supermarket, which opened in October 2016 is equipped with energy saving LED lighting and chiller doors which reduce the energy consumption of the stores’ chillers and freezers.
The judging panel were particularly impressed with the high standard of energy efficiency at the supermarket and the store’s home delivery service.
Supermarket manager Chris Matthews said: “Gaining a Gold Suffolk Carbon Charter accreditation is fantastic news for everyone involved in the refurbishment of the store and the team who deliver such a great service here every day.
“Our home delivery service has proved a vital lifeline to local residents in Woodbridge and a dedicated ‘customer service champion’ in-store allows customers who require additional assistance to be looked after throughout their visit.”
The panel also recognised the high level of engagement at the supermarket including a supplier trip to Pinneys of Orford and Lane Farm for staff to develop awareness and understanding of the East of England Co-ops Sourced Locally scheme and how it supports the local economy and reduces environmental impacts.
Chris said: “Ensuring our colleagues are familiar with the local produce we stock is paramount to our business. Involving them in educational trips to local suppliers to learn more about the local products we sell gives our team an insight into how products are made which they can then share with our customers and members.”
The society’s foodstore in Heath Road, Ipswich was also awarded a silver accreditation. The silver Level is awarded to businesses that have already evidenced a clear reduction in emissions.
A Gold accreditation was also renewed for Clapgate Lane whilst the Co-op’s food store on Queensway in the town also had a silver accreditation renewed by the judges.
Joint chief executive, Nick Denny, said: “We believe that being a sustainable business is about more than reducing our impact on the environment. It’s about running our business for the long term, creating value for local communities and businesses and our 281,000 members.”
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