Opportunity Issue 108

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Biomass potential
Biomass energy generation will also provide increasingly
powerful solutions. We see potential scope for biomass to
be added to wind and other energy sources as fuel for the
generation of electricity.
At The SPAR Group, we firmly believe that more localised
power generation presents a realistic avenue for achieving
enduring sustainability.
With regard to recycling, we currently collect outer-plastic
packaging, cardboard, paper and other recyclable materials
from SPAR stores and transport them to our DCs, where they
are sorted, weighed and compacted in separate processes. The
plastic is recycled and repurposed into various items like bin
bags, while the cardboard also undergoes recycling for use in
packaging materials.
Through this recycling effort, we reduce the materials sent
to landfills, consequently lessening our carbon footprint.
Ensuring that the expansion of the retail industry
incorporates sustainable practices is vitally important.
Sustainability is not merely beneficial for society and business;
it has become indispensable for the retail sector's future.
Working to discover solutions that alleviate the mounting
pressure on the South African power grid and significantly
reduce our carbon footprint will remain a key focus of
commitment for The SPAR Group. We are championing
sustainable behaviour and practices across all facets of our
operations and the strides we're making at our DCs will set a
trajectory toward a greener, more sustainable future for all.
The South Rand Distribution Centre has an
impressive array of solar panels.
LED lighting is helping to reduce energy
use at SPAR Distribution Centres.
Solly Engelbrecht, National Logistics
Executive at The SPAR Group
About The SPAR Group
The SPAR Group Ltd is a warehousing and distribution business
listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in the Food and
Drug Retailers sector. The group owns the SPAR retail brand and
supports a network of independent retailers who trade under
our brand through our distribution centres. SPAR forms part of
SPAR International, which is present in 44 countries and has 240
distribution centres that serve 13-million customers every day. The
SPAR Group Ltd, headquartered in Durban, South Africa, is present
in nine countries, has 10 distribution centres and serves 3 768 retail
members through 14 store formats every day.
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