Aldi has implemented refrigeration systems that exclusively use CO2 as a refrigerant, thus avoiding the possible emission of 5,368 tons of CO2 per year into the atmosphere. At the moment, approximately 30% of the company’s supermarkets are equipped with this refrigeration technology, specifically 126 of Aldi’s 411 stores throughout Spain.
In addition, most of the supermarkets opened by the company in the last two years also use CO2 as the only refrigerant in their food refrigeration systems. As explained by the chain, this is significant since it eliminates the need to use other materials such as fluorinated refrigerants, which could result in the emission of 43 tons per year per store. In case of leaks in these systems, the emissions would be of natural origin and would not have an impact on the atmosphere.
Aldi is not only progressing in refrigeration technology, but also in the field of solar energy. In 2022, it managed to prevent the emission of more than 3,600 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. During that year, more than 19,230 solar modules were incorporated into its network of photovoltaic installations, resulting in a total of more than 37,430 panels at the end of the year, equivalent to an area of more than 85,640 square metres. These photovoltaic installations are currently present in around 210 stores throughout the national territory. This allows them to harness approximately 97% of the energy generated for internal store consumption, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
The company firmly adheres to an approach that promotes an environmentally friendly store model. Currently, all Aldi stores have implemented LED lighting, and more than half, precisely 210 supermarkets, have incorporated home automation systems. These systems seek to improve efficiency in air conditioning and lighting, as well as supervise the facilities and manage the use of energy in stores. In addition, Aldi has established 390 charging points for electric vehicles in more than 150 of its supermarkets.
The supermarket chain is also working to achieve other achievements in terms of sustainability, especially in reducing the use of plastic, particularly single use. In the last three years, through the elimination of disposable plastic products, the redesign of packaging and the replacement of virgin plastic with cardboard or recycled plastic, Aldi has managed to save more than 1,730 tons of virgin plastic. In addition, the company’s goal is that by 2025 all its own brand packaging will be recyclable, reusable and/or compostable.
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