SYDNEY, 28 October 2020 – Another Aussie icon is set to power its operations with the sun as Bunnings today commits to 100% renewable electricity by 2025.Greenpeace has welcomed the announcement, which includes a roll out of energy efficiency measures, onsite solar and battery storage at many locations across Australia, with more investment in large scale renewable energy likely to follow.
“Today’s commitment to climate action shows Bunnings is keen to keep the sausages sizzling rather than the planet,” said Lindsay Soutar, REenergise Campaign Director at Greenpeace Australia Pacific.
“As one of Australia’s biggest users of energy, this is a fantastic shift away from polluting sources of the past and towards clean, modern renewable energy.”
This announcement will cut emissions by 257,000 tonnes of C02 and lead to about 110MW of new investment in wind and solar. This is enough to power about 44,000 Australian homes – one for almost every staff member employed by the organisation.
“When lowest prices are just the beginning, it’s a no-brainer to shift to renewables, which are the cheapest form of new energy.”
“Commitments like these will drive investment in new wind and solar farms, so as tradies hop in the ute to Bunnings this morning, they can know that their visit will lead to new construction jobs across the country”
This is the first 100% renewable electricity commitment from a company in the Wesfarmers portfolio, which also includes Target, Kmart, and Officeworks, who also announced a 100% renewable commitment today. The commitment follows ALDI’s recent announcement it will be powered by 100% renewable electricity by 2021.
“Greenpeace looks forward to seeing Target and Kmart follow Bunnings’, Officeworks and ALDI’s lead, as well as other major retailers Coles and Woolworths.”
“As some of Australia’s biggest users of electricity, major companies have an opportunity to help support the economy and create future-proof jobs in clean energy by committing to 100% renewable energy.”
Greenpeace is now calling on Bunnings to solidify its commitment by signing up to the global RE100 initiative and for the whole of the Wesfarmers group to follow suit.
For more information please contact Head of Communications Nelli Stevenson on 0428 113 346 [email protected] or Communications and Campaign Officer Martin Zavan on 0424 295 422 [email protected]
Notes:
This media release has been updated to reflect Officeworks commitment of 100% renewable energy by 2025.
Full media briefing available here
Bunnings media release available here
Images of Greenpeace activists campaigning at Bunnings locations all over the country here