The Co-operative is one of the world's largest supporters of renewable energy programmes, and as such we seek to be among the world’s leading businesses in taking up the challenge of tackling global climate change.
We have over 4,000 branches powered by renewable energy, and all of our big businesses report on their energy consumption and carbon emissions. Here are some examples of how our values have driven initiatives that tackle climate change:
Installing photovoltaic panels at schools across the UK
The Co-operative is investing in clean solar energy, and our Green Energy for Schools campaign aims to provide sustainable renewable power to over 100 schools, and educate the next generation about renewable energy and climate change. More about Green Energy for Schools.
Building the UK’s largest single application of micro-wind turbines
In 2005 we initiated a project to install a development of 19 micro-wind turbines on the roof of one of our CIS office buildings on Portland Street in Manchester. More about the micro-wind turbine project.
Building the UK’s largest solar panel project
The Solar Tower project is the UK’s largest solar power installation, a £5.5m project has transformed the 400ft landmark CIS Tower into a facility capable of producing on-site renewable energy ‑ regardless of the weather. More about the Solar Tower project.
Supporting the construction of six new wind turbines
In September 2004 the Merchant Wind project was established, with a £4m eight-year contract agreed with green electricity generator Ecotricity. More about the Merchant Wind project.
Building the largest in-house office waste-recycling centre in the UK
In September 2007 we built Waste Works, our purpose-built education recycling centre in Manchester where waste paper from our head offices is recycled and sold in-store. More about the Waste Works project.
