Winds of change to power Asda base

Published Date: 12 October 2008
By Rosemary Gallagher

SUPERMARKET giant Asda is to build its first UK wind turbine at its Falkirk distribution centre to generate three quarters of the energy required for the depot.
The retailer has been granted planning permission by Falkirk Council to construct the turbine. The £2m project is part of Asda's aim to reduce energy requirements for its stores and distribution centres by 20% by 2012.After powering the depot, the electricity generated will transfer to the National Grid to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.Asda has identified a number of other potential sites for turbines and is considering building one at its Grangemouth depot. As well as tackling climate change, Asda said turbines will help reduce energy costs at its shops and centres and savings can be passed on to customers.Its first application for planning permission was turned down by Falkirk Council last year. Its resubmitted application was given the go ahead, partly because it included proposals to support the local community. This will include the store paying £100,000 into a charitable trust to be managed by the Scottish Community Foundation.Lisa Rooke, property communications manager for Asda Scotland, said: "The wind turbine will play a significant part in our wider sustainability strategy." Asda is opening a store in Leith this year with a number of resource efficient features, including an aluminium recyclable roof and automatic light dimming to conserve energy.The supermarket chain has also removed carrier bags from display in all its stores to reduce the amount of plastic used.It said it has not lost out to overseas budget chains, such as Aldi and Lidl, during the credit crunch and has been attracting more customers from higher income groups.