Jonathan James' Blog

As independent retailers, we are capable of quickly reacting to our customers needs.  I believe that 2010 is a turning point regarding people’s awareness of their carbon footprints and as such business has to do and be seen to do its bit too.We are currently undergoing a significant refit project at both our Soham and Ely stores and “going green” will have a major part to play in that.  For example, Ely will have doors put onto chillers! My peers think I’m mad as, over the years, there has been “proof” that doors act as a barrier and prevent people from purchasing. My philosophy is that open chillers blast the customer with cold air thus causing them to swiftly make a choice without really browsing the shelves. The doors will however save a significant amount of electricity. Our water supplying the car valeting is supplied via a borehole in order not to use drinking water.  Our plastic and cardboard is recycled by Spar and Budgens.  Our lighting is to be changed to LED lights which are far more efficient to use. 

Soham already has a web based Business Management System to allow us to monitor energy usage and maximise it accordingly.  This system will be rolled out across all sites in the coming months.  Following a successful trial at our Dersingham store, we will be putting the Daikins Conveni Pak system into Ely and Littleport.  Conveni Pak is a heat reclaimation unit that uses the heat generated from the refrigeration process to heat the shop floor.

As you can see, we are certainly doing our bit for the planet.  Just because we sell fuel, doesn’t mean we cant save energy!