In a move that can only delight the ethical consumer, the Co-operative Group has announced that it will be switching all of its outlets over to green electricity. More than 3000 Co-op shops, as well as its Co-op Bank branches, Co-operative Insurance (CIS) and the company’s Manchester headquarters and UK distribution sites will use green energy.
As announced in the Green Consumer Guide:
The decision builds on the Co-op’s environmentally-friendly policies, which include GM-free foods and a range of ethically-orientated financial products.
The announcement comes after a three year agreement with Scottish Power, and will involve energy generated at the companies joint venture, the Coldham wind farm in Cambridgeshire.
“Our customers and members expect us to take a leading position in tackling climate change impacts. By choosing this approach we want our customers to benefit from a high quality shopping experience, which also addresses much wider environmental issues,” commented Group Chief Executive Martin Beaumont.
“All businesses need to undoubtedly address their impacts on climate change, but for a member-owned co-operative it’s an imperative,” added Mr. Beaumont.
Comments:
I wish that my local Co-op was more “inviting” - unfortunately it never feels clean and is very worn out. On the odd occassion I’ve ventured in I’ve found they do have a better veggie range than a lot, but as it’s not the busiest of shops in the area, fruit and veg tends to be tired and it feels as if you’re often buying the end of the box…
I often shop in the department store though - much better even if it does feel old fashioned, but they have one of the qualities that is very rare now - staff that know what they are selling and are really able to help rather than just read from the manual or point of sale card.
I do agree that they are one of the best around from a green perspective though and they are often setting trends. I hope that this is one that other supermarkets take on.
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