// Waitrose switches from fossil fuel heating to electric heat pumps in stores
// It will use heat pumps in all its stores to accelerate its net-zero plans
Waitrose has implemented heat pumps in all its supermarket stores in an effort to accelerate its net-zero plans to tackle rising energy bills.
As part of its net-zero strategy, the grocer is switching from fossil fuel heating to electric heat pumps in stores, powered by zero-carbon renewable energy.
Waitrose is replacing the gas boilers that have been heating its 332 stores with electric heat pumps. These require less electricity to run, and work by extracting heat from the air outside.
The pumps would replace gas heating in all the stores before 2035. It currently has five installed and is planning another 10 next year.
Subscribe to Retail Gazette for free
Sign up here to get the latest news straight into your inbox each morning
“No business is immune to rising energy costs,” John Lewis Partnership operations manager of energy and innovation said.
“We’ve already set an ambitious plan to reduce our energy consumption and reach our goal of net zero emissions by 2035.
“With energy prices rising, we’re accelerating this. We’re focusing on heat recovery solutions and thermal efficiency to help lower the general heating and cooling load of our buildings.”
Waitrose fridges will also be upgraded to make them 40% more efficient, and lights will be switched to LEDs to cut electricity use by up to 10%.
