Officeworks switches on solar powered store

Officeworks has unveiled its first solar and battery-operated store in Warana, Queensland. The Sunshine Coast store is powered by 100 kW of solar PV and a 100 kWh lithium battery.

It is the first Officeworks store to be operated by 100 percent renewable energy with all stores slated to follow as part of Officeworks’ transition to 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025.

The 1,722 sqm store has been working towards operating off 100 per cent renewable energy for two years and has previously implemented sustainability measures including LED light fixtures, a Building Energy Management system (BEMS), thermal roof coating and double insulation in the roof. The installation of the 100 kW of solar PV and a 100 kWh lithium battery is the final stage in achieving this goal, alongside their partnership with CleanCo.

Officeworks Energy and Carbon Manager, Patrick Heagney said: “When fully charged, the solar and battery will have enough energy to power approximately 70 per cent of the store, or 35-40 residential homes each day. While Warana is the first Officeworks store capable of using 100 per cent renewable energy, much of our store network uses onsite generation and where possible renewable electricity procurement.”

“By 2025 all Queensland stores will operate using 100 per cent renewable energy, which is an important step as a brand, as we work towards using 100 per cent renewable energy by 2025 and net-zero emissions by 2030.”

In collaboration with Bunnings, Kmart and Target, Officeworks’ Queensland sites will have the balance of their renewable electricity provided by CleanCo, a Queensland Government-owned renewable energy company, from 2025, generated at large-scale wind and solar farms.

Officeworks Managing Director Sarah Hunter said: “While the agreement with CleanCo was a step towards Queensland stores sourcing 100 per cent renewable electricity by 2025 and a net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, the launch of our first behind the meter green energy powered store in Warana is yet another significant step forward in our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and operate in a sustainable way.”

“We know sustainability in all areas of our business is important to our customers, and those who want to make more sustainable choices are shopping with retailers who reflect their values. It gives us great pride to know we are making great progress towards our People and Planet Positive 2025 Plan goal of being fully powered by renewable energy by 2025,” said Ms Hunter.

Officeworks’ People and Planet Positive 2025 Plan is the retailer’s long-term approach to supporting the aspirations of its team and local communities, upholding, and respecting human rights, taking meaningful climate action, contributing to a more circular economy, and helping customers shop sustainably. The retailer has made 18 commitments in the plan, including reducing emissions within its supply chain and becoming a zero-waste business.