Dunelm is stepping up its commitment to renewable energy as it prepares to install 2,642 solar panels across its retail and business portfolios.
The retailer has plans to install photovoltaic (PV) panels across another three sites before the end of June 2024. In total, this will see the retailer producing approximately 337,302 kWhs of electricity as it continues to decarbonise its operations.
The installation of PV panels has recently been completed at five stores, including 442 at the Bristol store, 410 at Derby, 356 at Romford and 398 at Swansea.
Some 262 panels have also been installed on the roof at Dunelm’s head office in Syston, Leicester.
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Despite the ongoing expansion of its store portfolio, – which currently stands at 183 stores following three recent openings – overall store electricity usage at Dunelm has remained flat, in line with 2019 usage.
An impressive 99.7% of that energy has been sourced from renewable sources in the last financial year.
Dunelm director of property Steve Barton said the retailer is “very proud” to increase its solar panel roll out.
“It’s just one part of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact and in line with our ambition to reach net zero by 2040,” he added.
Elsewhere the home retailer has invested in new tractor units, powered by compressed natural gas, as well as an additional electric vehicle to reduce the carbon emissions of its transportation fleet.
