Aldi has embraced a sustainable build for its new distribution centre in Goldthorpe.

The 441,000 sq ft depot, which is set to open in 2015, will use temperature controlling panels in its cold store, which it said would reduce energy efficiency by 30% compared to traditional builds.

The single envelope construction requires between 33-50% less supporting steelwork than conventional structures, which will lower energy levels, according to cold store constructor ISD Solutions.

Both the ambient and the chilled areas of the warehouse feature Kingspan Roof Mounted PV System, designed, supplied and installed by Kingspan Energy. The 1.5 MWp solar PV system covers a total area of 15,000m2 and consists of 6,000 modules at 250 Wp each. It will provide Aldi with 1.2GWh of electricity per annum, further improving the energy performance of the building and reducing its lifetime running costs.

“We have been working with Aldi across a number of in-store frozen and chilled food storage solutions and this is our first standalone warehouse project for the store group,” said ISD Solutions managing director Tony Wall.

“The range of composite panel technology incorporated in this project, together with the solar PV system, makes this a truly state-of-art warehouse structure. What Aldi want from their depots has changed drastically over the years and sustainability is now a must.”

The centre will be Aldi’s eighth depot and create 400 jobs. The site includes regional offices, a warehouse, chilled food storage areas, office space and will provide a hub for Aldi’s growing store portfolio across South and West Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.