Lidl to open Ireland's first ever net zero energy supermarket in Maynooth
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Lidl will be opening the first-of-its-kind net zero energy supermarket in Ireland.
The groceries giant is investing over €10 million in the state-of-the-art store in Maynooth, Co Kildare. It will be the first retail space in Ireland to produce all its operational energy from onsite renewable sources, while also fully offsetting the embodied carbon associated with its construction through renewable energy generation.
The new store, which will create 150 construction jobs, is set to open in November this year. The store will feature a 575 kWp solar panel system installed on both the roof and within the car park, further cementing Lidl's position as the owner of the largest rooftop solar array in the country.
The building will incorporate concrete made from 50% recycled materials, sustainable glulam timber roof beams and lower embodied carbon roof panels. Additionally, stone from Lidl's original Maynooth store has been 100% recycled onsite to further reduce emissions and will be reused as part of the build.
CEO of Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, Robert Ryan, added: 'When we joined the Irish retail market 25 years ago, we transformed shopping behaviour. With this investment, we are once again leading the way—bringing to life our commitment to achieving Net Zero for our customers and enhancing the sustainable credentials of the Irish retail industry."
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