– Riordan’s SuperValu Complete Store Energy Upgrades –
Riordan’s SuperValu, Fermoy are leading the charge in energy conservation and generation following significant investment to complete a series of energy upgrades to their store, reducing their carbon footprint by over 40%.
Since 2011, Riordan’s SuperValu have continuously made advancements to add to their sustainability credentials with actions such as staff training to an overhaul of their hot water system, fitting state-of-the-art LED lights in addition to energy saving doors to their refrigeration units. These measures focused on reducing their energy consumption, which not only brought down the cost of their energy bills but also highlighted their passion for greener operating practises.
Having focused on reducing energy consumption over the past few years, Michael Riordan and his SuperValu team in Fermoy this year set their sights on energy generation. With this in mind, PV panels were installed on the store roof, making them the first SuperValu store in Munster to boast such technology. This new energy saving measure will result in a substantial decrease in their enery bill of €16,000 year on year.
This new SuperValu Fermoy energy upgrade was all part of a wider community suitability scheme in association with the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland), which saw stores such as Riordan’s SuperValu and others across the country invested both time and money as part of their endeavours to build sustainable communities around Ireland.
MAKING THEIR GREEN MARK: Celebrating the success of the 2018 Better Energy Communities Scheme, in association with the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) was (l-r) David Boyle, Programme Executive with SEAI and Michael Riordan, Riordan’s SuperValu Fermoy. (Picture: Cathal Noonan)
This national retrofit programme upgrades store and community buildings and facilities to meet high standards of energy efficiency and renewable energy usage, with an aim of reducing energy costs, fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas emissions year on year, as well as significantly improving the comfort of these homes and buildings.
National charity, Enable Ireland were on the receiving end of substantial financial contribution amounting to €203,000 as a result of the scheme and the stores’ notable efforts. This enabled the charity to carry out all-important energy upgraded to their facility, putting money back into the pockets of this very worthwhile cause due to reduced yearly energy bills, and also resulted in cosier and more comfortable conditions for those with disabilities using their centre.
Michael Riordan, owner SuperValu Fermoy, spoke passionately about this project and all of their work in this space. “Since 2011 we have continuously looked to reduce the carbon footprint of our store. We researched instore behaviours and completed energy training courses which outlined quick win energy reduction implementations, resulting in energy savings of 5-10%. Knowing there was still so much more we could do in an effort to become a leader in sustainability, we began to examine our equipment and how we could make it more energy efficient. Soon after, we retrofitted energy saving doors to our refrigeration units and upgraded all of our lighting to LED fittings, as well as fitting solar panels to heat our hot water. We are so proud to have now became the first SuperValu in Munster to install Solar PV panels as part of this campaign. As a result of all of these measures and investment, we are pleased to confirm we have reduced our carbon footprint by over 40%.”
Michael continued: “At Riordan’s SuperValu, community is at our core and we strive to add value in our local communities, both with our in-store offerings but also through community projects such as this SEAI synergy. Enable Ireland provides essential services in the heart of our local community, helping those in great need, so were a perfect partner for us. We hope that our contribution, and that of the SEAI, who we are delighted to partner with, helps Enable Ireland make much needed savings to continue their fantastic work.”
John Randles, Head of Delivery with SEAI, said awareness of energy and environmental issues is now more integral than ever, and in order to create and maintain sustainable communities, ‘each and every one of us must play our part’.
“SEAI works with communities by offering grant support for much needed energy upgrades. This brings businesses such as Riordan’s SuperValu and the broader community together in a positive way that results in warmer and more energy efficient homes and buildings. As well as these tangible benefits, those involved are playing an important part in protecting the planet for future generations. This project is a great example of businesses reaching out to help charities in their community and we congratulate all who participated,” he said.
SuperValu serves over 2.6 million customers every week and has 219 stores nationwide. Together with its retail partners, SuperValu employs approximately 14,500 colleagues, making it one of the State’s largest private sector employers.
75% of everything on SuperValu’s shelves is sourced in Ireland. SuperValu continues to source locally wherever possible which helps to sustain 30,000 jobs in the Irish economy. For more information on SuperValu, their green efforts, or other fantastic work in the local community go to www.supervalu.ie or check out Facebook/SuperValuIreland.