Convenience channel could save £16m by making in-store sustainability changes

SBF GB&I, formerly Lucozade Ribena Suntory, partnered with Energy Saving Trust to implement several sustainability-focused changes in Amit Patel’s 900sq ft store in Derbyshire. The project is aimed at helping independent convenience retailers understand how they can become more sustainable.

Over initial visits at the start of the year, and during socially-distanced visits over recent months, the partnership helped Patel make three small changes and one larger change that could help him save more than £345 per year in energy costs.

The partnership replaced Patel’s old 800W oil-filled radiator behind the counter; installed a new door-closing mechanism for his front door; and updated the screen he uses to monitor and display CCTV footage.

In addition, new lighting was installed throughout the store, replacing the 10-year old 30W tube lights with energy-efficient LED panels. This will save around £265 per year.

The partners believe that if the UK’s 46,388 convenience stores made these four sustainability-focused alterations, the total savings across the channel could be up to £16m per year.

Amit Patel, of Premier Town Street in Sandiacre, said: “It’s an amazing start to the project, and I’m over the moon with the impact so far. My customers have said they love the way the store looks already, and they love it when I tell them that not only does it make the shop look better, it helps the planet as well.”

Jemma Healy, category controller at SBF GB&I, added: “These changes are just the first steps in our ongoing sustainability project in Amit’s store. We aim to show how easy and affordable it can be for convenience retailers to make changes – both large and small – that have a genuine impact on their store’s energy use.

“Not only will they save Amit money on his overheads, but they also make the store a more welcoming and inviting place for his local shoppers to visit. It truly is good for business.”