Morrisons opens its first eco store

Morrisons has launched its first low environmental impact store in Little Clacton, Essex, which uses 43% less carbon, stocks 366 loose products to reduce plastic waste, and uses locally sourced products. 

Morrisons Little Clacton has recycled 99% of the demolition materials from its old store in the new build, and reused and reduced steel to lower carbon emissions by 52%. 

It uses a rainwater harvesting system to flush the store’s toilets and reduce virgin water use of nearly 600,000 litres a year. Outside the store, a wildlife area has been created in the grounds of the store to offer a home for birds, insects and small animals.

Morrisons plans to open its second lower environmental impact store in Horsham in 2023.

Aligned with the Government’s plan to increase renewable energy, the store has no gas supply, and instead only using electricity from green sources, generating its own power through solar panels which provide nearly 20% of the store’s energy.

The car park also features 20 EV charging stations for customers along with dedicated EV stations for employees cars, with charging speeds from 15 minutes to eight hours.

The site will also have a wide range of recycling points for soft plastics, batteries, ink cartridges, cartons, glass and textiles.