Partners in sustainability
With a policy steeped in sustainability, ALDI is a frontrunner in retail in terms of sustainable transition. In view of the 2050 carbon targets, ALDI already took the first step back in 2016 by enlisting Encon for a plot scan concerning the possible installation of a wind turbine.
What followed was a sound partnership that involved a thorough evaluation of the company. As part of this collaboration, we look at the possible steps we can take towards continuous sustainable improvement, from the logistics hub to all shops.
'ALDI not only wants to be the type of company that our staff enjoys working at, but also one that cares about the environment and the future generations.'
Frank Vissers – Managing Director Aldi Turnhout
Besides the installation of solar panels and various scans related to CO2 neutrality, ALDI was also inspired by a visit to Infinity (insert link to infinity article). They subsequently called on Encon in 2017 while their logistics hub was being built: this was then voted Belgium's most sustainable industrial building.
ALDI implemented numerous measures in the areas of people and the environment, integrating 90 parameters. The building, spanning no less than 8 football pitches, invested in more than 4,000 solar panels as a result of Encon's analysis and support, with the output of 1 kilowatt-hour being the equivalent of 285 families' annual consumption. The cooling system operates using environmentally friendly and ozone-friendly CO2, and the area has been equipped with a vast green zone with local plants and a bee hotel.
With the expertise of Encon at hand, this logistics hub was awarded a BREEAM Outstanding certificate. This is the highest possible rating of the independent international BREEAM certification system that measures the sustainability of buildings. Very few companies can boast about such an exceptionally high score, which makes this discount shop a prime example of responsible entrepreneurship. It is no coincidence that they were awarded the title of 'Logistics Building of the Year 2019'.
However, sustainability is not an end goal but a process. Encon is currently installing solar panels at all existing ALDI shops, for example, and there are future new development projects in the pipeline. A vital element in being ready for the future in retail. (insert link to ALDI RETAIL ARTICLE).
This entire transformation has made ALDI a reference in our portfolio that goes the extra mile, not only towards a better world but also towards growth. This is done by creating a pleasant work environment for employees, but also by guaranteeing job security in the region by meeting the continuous growth of the company.
Sustainability is in perpetual motion for ALDI, and they want to pursue this with Encon. We look forward to taking this transformation to the next level. A fantastic collaboration with a company with sustainable growth in its (green) heart and soul.
