Decarbonisation and the circular economy
Ensuring good environmental management in terms of our energy use, looking for alternatives to plastic and promoting the circular economy - this is what it means to be cooperative.
Environmental Policy
Consum's Environmental Policy has been updated to reduce even further the impact of its business activity on the environment, via continuous improvement of management and awareness-raising among stakeholders.
Refrigerant gases
All new store openings now use R744 (CO₂) refrigerant in both positive and negative cooling systems. In addition, the regeneration of gases in older equipment is being explored to enhance maintenance and extend operational efficiency.
Eco-efficient store
The Cooperative has long-term contracts in place with Endesa and Alcanzia for the purchase of renewable energy (PPAs), which guarantee that more than 99% of its electricity consumption comes from renewable sources. The goal is to reach 100%. In addition, Solar panels are already in place at 46 stores and two logistics platforms.
Stores are at the heart of Consum's business. Thanks to the energy saving measures implemented in terms of lighting, refrigeration and air conditioning, the Cooperative's supermarkets are among the most eco-efficient in the distribution sector. The main measures include:
- Automation and telemetry
- LED Lighting
- Refrigerated cabinet seals
- Electric car charging stations
- Air Conditioning Renewal Plan
Logistics fleet
In 2024, the capillary transport fleet consisted of 12 electric vehicles: Six trucks were based at the Finestrat HUB (powered by two electric shuttle trailers), three were based in Murcia and one was based in Valencia. To promote transparent communication on sustainability, the sign “This truck has zero emissions because it is 100% electric” is now displayed in Spanish, Valencian and Catalan.
The Cooperative also continues integrating an increasing number of low-emission vehicles and optimising distribution routes using the TMS Routing Maps tool enabled us to reduce both distance travelled and carbon footprint.
Carbon Footprint
The externally verified carbon footprint has been reduced by 81% since 2015, with the Cooperative being the first company in the sector to have received the “Reduce” seal from MITECO.
In January 2022, the Cooperative joined the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), making it the first Spanish supermarket chain to join.
Circular economy
The Cooperative is working on reducing the consumption of materials, in particular plastic, in its packaging, and replacing these with more sustainable materials, as well as ensuring the recovery of all its waste. Among the main measures already implemented are fresh section bags made of compostable materials and plastic shopping bags made from 100% recycled plastic, using plastics recovered from logistics packaging waste.
The Cooperative has measured its Plastic Footprint for the first time, showing a reduction in 2020 of 1,590 tons of virgin plastic when compared with the previous year. Currently, 11.6% of own-brand plastics are already of recycled origin or made with bioplastics.
In 2024, Consum renewed its Zero Waste (Residuo Cero) Certification with AENOR, reinforcing its commitment to waste reduction and resource optimisation. The certification has been renewed for all logistics platforms as well as the central headquarters.
