Marks & Spencer has announced today that major works are underway to convert its Bournemouth store into the first M&S 'green store'.

The store will be completely remodelled under M&S' latest signature style and will be the first store redesign to incorporate a host of 'eco-features' that will reduce the carbon footprint of the store and improve energy efficiency.

On completion of the work the store will use up to 25 per cent less energy and emit up to 50 per cent* less carbon dioxide than an average M&S store.

The considerable savings will be achieved via a combination of powering the store with green renewable energy, improving air tightness to minimise heat and energy loss and installing more efficient systems and equipment across lighting, refrigeration and heating and ventilation.

Niall Trafford, Executive of Store Design and Specification at Marks & Spencer, said "Improving the efficiencies of our existing portfolio of stores is the real challenge for us, especially if M&S is to meet its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2012, but it is one that we are determined to tackle."

"It's a very exciting opportunity for us. We're not just constructing a 'green' store from scratch - we're converting a 70 year old building into a model of ecological efficiency. For the first time we'll be testing a range of features that will minimise CO2 emissions, which is a great achievement. We're confident that our work in Bournemouth will show us how we can carry out eco-conversions at many of our other existing stores in the future. "

As well as the 'eco-features', all suppliers contracted to the project will be working in a 'greener', more efficient way. This will include operating a green travel plan for all construction traffic and managing waste materials to ensure that they are recycled where possible. It is estimated that up 80 per cent of waste and key construction off cuts will be recycled or reused.

Suppliers will use BREEAM A-rated materials with low or non hazardous content and low energy processing when available, including carpet flooring and tiling. Also, some display equipment will be made from recycled plastic.

Additionally, the remodelled store will boast a number of water saving initiatives, including dual flush toilets and self closing taps that will lead to savings of up to 30 per cent of the average store's water consumption.

Bournemouth is the first of the four trial 'eco-stores' outlined in Plan A, M&S' £200 million, five year eco-plan and work is scheduled for completion in summer 2007.

-Ends-

Notes to Editors

Back to press releases index

Back to top