KINGFISHER – When retail offers energetic alternatives for housing

Kingfisher is aiming to focus on helping customers reduce their energetic footprint . They plan to do this in two ways: Their products will be more environment friendly and the processes they have put in place also allow them to save energy and cut carbon emissions during the production of those products.

In 2020, Kingfisher would like provide energy saving equivalent to 38TWh yearly. Between 2011 and 2013 Kingfisher’s clients have saved 71 TWh/year, enough to power half of Paris, France.

In order to cut energy spending and carbon emissions, Kingfisher installs energy efficient boilers for customers, many of which were funded through the UK Government’s Affordable Warmth Scheme in 2013/14, supporting people on low incomes.

Lowering light use in store was also a priority. 60% of the store energy used is through the roll-out of LED technology. LED lighting is now standard for all new stores and retrofits and 5% of Kingfishers properties estate have been fitted with LED since 2012/13.

There has been a 21% reduction in energy use for printing in the UK since 2009 through a managed print program despite a doubling in the number of UK retail locations. Twenty-five million fewer sheets of paper were used for printing compared to 2009.

Kingfisher works with NGOs, other businesses and governments to advocate for solutions that will speed up the transition to a low-carbon economy, and sustain the progress they make in saving as much energy as they can.

Best Practice spotted in 2014 by the World Forum for a Responsible Economy.