Aussie retailers leading the clean energy race

New data reveals that Australian retailers are leading the way in the the greater adoption of renewable energy, outperforming every other industry in this regard.

According to Greenpeace Australia Pacific in their REenergise 2020 Corporate Renewable Snapshot, the first-ever Australian report which calculated the cumulative impact of corporate 100 per cent renewable energy commitments, Aussie retailers almost doubled their renewable energy commitments. Retailers achieved clean energy commitments of 1146MW, with the next best performing industry, telecommunications, trailing behind with 713MW.

In total, corporate renewable commitments were equal to powering 1.3 million homes. It also found that renewable electricity targets of 28 of Australia’s largest companies will drive 2.8GW of new renewable projects in the coming years.

“Australian companies made a huge leap forward on the switch to 100 per cent renewable electricity in 2020, with clean energy commitments by major Australian businesses now set to create solar and wind power equivalent to powering all the homes in Brisbane and Perth combined,” REenergise Campaign Director Lindsay Soutar.

“Major chains such as Woolworths, Bunnings and ALDI committing to 100 per cent renewable energy saw retail eclipse other industries,” Soutar added. “Retailers signing deals with wind and solar farms in regional Australia, and using their abundant roof space to host solar panels, has seen them get out in front of Australia’s rapid transition to clean energy.”

Soutar pointed out that retail giants making the clean energy switch shows that 100 per cent renewable energy is a no-brainer for businesses of all sizes. This helps smaller retailers that followeing the lead is cleaner, cheaper and a crucial part of their responsibility to tackle climate change.

“Greenpeace Australia Pacific is now calling on big retail brands like Coles and Kmart to ramp up their climate commitments and switch to 100 per cent renewable electricity,” Soutar concluded.

You have 7 articles remaining. Unlock 15 free articles a month, it’s free.