Lincolnshire Co-op has reduced carbon emissions by over 220 tonnes since installing solar panels across 53 stores over the past two years.
The society kicked off a £2m solar panel investment programme in April 2024.
It has since produced 1.74 million kilowatt hours (kWh) of renewable electricity, saving the equivalent of driving over 877,000 miles in the average petrol car.
In the past six months, these installations have generated over 560,000 kWh, the equivalent of powering 225 average UK homes annually.
Ten more sites are scheduled for installation as part of the programme and are expected to produce 294,000 kWh a year, enough to power 117 average UK homes annually, according to the society.
Lincolnshire Co-op said solar panels could provide around 12% of a site’s electricity demand. Once completed, the sites are expected to generate over 1.8 million kWh of renewable electricity a year.
“The installation of solar panels across our sites marks a significant milestone in our wider ambition to become more environmentally responsible,” said Lincolnshire Co-op electrical and mechanical project manager Nick Wood.
“We’re already seeing the positive impact of this investment, and it will play a crucial role into steering us towards a greener future and help us care for our local environment.”
The society has also implemented a range of other eco-friendly features across its food stores.
It has installed energy efficient CO2 refrigeration systems, insulated door curtains, fridge doors that use 27% less electricity on average, and management systems that regulate heating and lighting. The features are being introduced into new and refurbished stores, Lincolnshire Co-op said.
As part of its commitment to reach net zero by 2045, the society has also approved near and long-term science-based emissions reductions targets with the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).
In 2025, the business invested £8.5m and signed a Corporate Power Purchase Agreement to source 50% of its energy from the London Array wind turbine farms for 10 years.
The co-operative also looked after local green spaces with the help of local volunteers and colleagues by organising community clean-ups and gardening activities, and fundraises for environmental groups through its Community Champions scheme.
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