Carbon footprint halved
Grocer Tesco has opened its flagship eco-store in Wick, North Scotland, in the hope of setting a benchmark for green technology and construction in retail.

The 50,000 sq ft (4,645 sq m) supermarket will be the most environmentally friendly of its kind and is expected to reduce the store's carbon footprint by half, compared with a conventional supermarket of comparable size.

Features of the eco-store include a sustainable timber frame, micro wind turbines, solar cells, rainwater harvesting - collected from the roof and re-used in store - and energy-efficient refrigeration and bakery ovens.

There was also a significant increase in the use of recycled, recyclable or sustainable materials in the store's construction.

Plans for the eco-store were announced by Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy in May, as part of the group's 10-point Community Plan. Leahy also revealed the launch of a£100 million fund for investment in environmental technology.

Tesco company secretary Lucy Neville-Rolfe said: 'The Wick store is a great step forward for Tesco. It brings together the latest construction, engineering and sustainable technologies.'

Carbon Trust director of delivery and external relations Dr Garry Felgate said: 'Tesco's new store at Wick is a great example of how businesses can incorporate innovative ideas into new buildings and create stores with a low carbon footprint.'