Formula One technology being rolled out across Southern Co-op stores

With a drive to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Southern Co-op is harnessing technology developed by motor racing engineers and putting it to use in its fridges.

The regional co-operative is rolling out the technology in a total of 96 stores and using it to improve refrigeration efficiency and reduce cold air being lost into the aisles.

The technology, developed by motor racing engineer Wirth Research, is expected to lead to significant reductions in CO₂ emissions as it uses the same technique used to direct airflow efficiently around racing cars.

The twin-bladed shelf-edge strips were initially trialled in 2020 in 10 stores and will now be rolled out to all Southern Co-op stores which have fridges without chiller doors.

Gemma Lacey, director of sustainability and communications, said: “The future of our planet relies on us all urgently cutting greenhouse gas and this is one way we are doing that, as part of our Climate Action Pathway to net zero.

“We have set ambitious targets aligned with the latest science showing what is required globally to limit global warming to 1.5°C but we need to work collaboratively with others to achieve our goals and limit the severity of the impacts of climate change.”

The new EcoBlade technology is expected to reduce refrigeration energy consumption by up to 25 per cent by acting as an invisible air curtain, keeping warm air out and cool air in.

Southern Co-op has committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030 from a 2019 base year (emissions that fall under its operational control such as electricity, gas, fuel and emissions associated with refrigeration) and to reduce absolute scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from managed trading businesses 17% over the same target period (emissions associated with its wider value chain and activity pre and post sale e.g. products, suppliers and customers).

Initiatives to reduce Southern Co-op’s carbon footprint have already included sourcing the majority of its electricity from renewable sources, installing LED lighting across its estate, movement sensors to control lighting in stockrooms and employee areas, doors for refrigeration, and solar photovoltaic panels.

Southern Co-op has also pledged to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which focus on addressing the world’s biggest challenges including climate change.