Bunnings Achieves 100% Renewable Energy Goal
Bunnings, the well-known Australian hardware and garden store, proudly announced this week that it has successfully transitioned to powering all its operations with 100 per cent renewable electricity. This achievement comes after the company set a target in 2020 to reach this milestone by 2025, as part of its broader aim to achieve net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
Over the years, Bunnings has been proactive in implementing measures to meet its renewable energy goals. This includes the installation of solar PV systems in 163 of its sites across Australia, which now generate 30 per cent of each store’s electricity requirements. Additionally, the company has focused on enhancing energy efficiency to reduce overall energy consumption.
Expanding Renewable Energy Usage
Bunnings recently disclosed that all 452 of its sites in Australia and New Zealand, including stores, trade centres, distribution centres, and support locations, are now powered by renewable electricity. The company has also extended its renewable energy sources through power purchase agreements (PPAs) with various large-scale solar farms, wind farms, and hydro power stations.
One notable PPA was established in early 2022 with CleanCo, Queensland’s publicly-owned energy generator, and Wesfarmers, Bunnings’ parent company. This agreement ensures a renewable energy supply to major subsidiaries like Kmart, Target, Bunnings, and Officeworks, sourced from prominent solar and wind farms in Australia.
Commitment to Sustainability
In addition to its renewable energy initiatives, Bunnings is actively engaged in sustainability projects. The company has introduced a battery recycling programme across all its stores and a plastic plant pot recycling scheme in selected locations to reduce plastic waste. Furthermore, Bunnings is piloting electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at specific sites in Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, and New Zealand.
Michael Schneider, the Managing Director of Bunnings, expressed pride in the company’s accomplishments, stating, “In 2020, we announced our plans to source 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025, and our team has been dedicated to fulfilling this commitment. Each of our stores plays a unique role in its local community, and we are delighted to contribute positively to our team, customers, and the environment.”
Schneider further emphasised Bunnings’ ongoing commitment to reducing carbon emissions, highlighting the company’s next target of achieving net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by the end of the decade.
As Bunnings continues to lead the way in sustainable practices within the retail sector, its dedication to renewable energy and environmental stewardship sets a commendable example for businesses striving to make a positive impact on the planet.
