Bunnings began trialling renewable micro generation projects back in 2009.
These included a solar PV system at Bunnings Warehouse Belconnen (Australian Capital Territory), and wind turbines at Bunnings Warehouse Port Kennedy and Bunnings Warehouse Rockingham (Western Australia).
In 2014 a new generation solar PV system was installed at Bunnings Warehouse Alice Springs (Northern Territory) to further gauge the viability of solar generation.
Since that time 67 solar PV systems have been installed across Bunnings’ Australian network. The systems are generating up to 30 per cent of each store’s energy needs.
In addition to this, the solar PV system at Bunnings Warehouse Alice Springs was expanded in 2019 from 100 kilowatts to 475 kilowatts, and battery storage was introduced; the first of its kind for the network. The system and battery storage are now producing up to 80 per cent of the store’s energy needs.
Bunnings is currently targeting a reduction of 10 per cent of emissions by 30 June 2025, based on a 2018 baseline, which factors in the continuing growth of its store network. This work is part of ongoing efforts to reduce emissions which includes investment in LED lighting and motion sensor technology to minimise electricity consumption.
In the 2021 financial year Bunnings will install further solar PV systems across its store network.
This content was provided by Bunnings Group.