Catering Scotland

Retailers are being given the chance to have their views on environmental impact heard at the 2016 Retail Energy Workshop.

Hosted by Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS), the free workshop aims to gather insight from the sector on what changes can be made to reduce energy use, carbon emissions and costs for retailers.

Organisers also hope to identify the support needed to facilitate sector-wide change.

ZWS’s food, drink and retail sector manager, William Fergusson, said: ‘Addressing the future sustainability of Scotland’s retail sector is a vital task to ensure that retailers are prepared for the environmental challenges that will impact upon their businesses.

‘We hope to engage with as many independent retailers as possible in order to ensure that the appropriate support is available to enable Scottish retailers to remain competitive.’

Independent retailers, supply chain networks and industry partners, from refrigeration suppliers to shop outfitters, will address key resource-efficiency issues.

Discussion topics on the day will include:

• Best practices for green retail
• How investment in environmentally friendly technologies can have a positive impact for independent retailers
• How a reduction in energy use can save money and increase productivity
• New and existing technologies available to make retail operations more efficient

Following the event, Zero Waste Scotland will examine the role of the retail sector in meeting Scotland’s long-term environmental goals.

Marissa Lippiatt, head of resource-efficiency at Zero Waste Scotland, said: ‘The Scottish Government’s ambition to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curtail energy consumption over the next 30 years requires all business sectors to adopt green practices.

‘This workshop is a valuable tool that lets us work in partnership with Scottish retail businesses to gather first-hand information on what is currently working and where solutions are needed.’

Scotmid Co-operative will also be on hand to present the results of its retrofitted shop at Moredun, Edinburgh (pictured), which was the first of its kind to implement a building-management system which optimises its use of lighting, heating and refrigeration.

The store, which received the Scottish Grocers’ Sustainable Retailer of the Year Award, was supported with funding and advice from Resource Efficient Scotland.

The 2016 Retail Energy Workshop will take place Wednesday 3rd February from 10:30am to 2:30pm at Forth Valley College, Stirling. Visit www.zerowastescotland.org.uk to book your place. For more information on resource efficiency, visit www.resourceefficientscotland.com