The bakery chain tests pioneering sustainability features in its latest store as part of its strategy to make a quarter of its shops eco-focused.
- First eco drive-thru for Greggs opened in Winchester
- Features innovative sustainability initiatives
- Over 700 eco-friendly shops by end of 2024
Greggs has entered a new chapter in its sustainability journey with the launch of its first eco drive-thru, located on Easton Lane in Winchester. This innovative site is more than just a convenient stop for sausage rolls and coffee—it represents a significant step toward the brand’s ambitious environmental goals.
Designed with energy efficiency at its core, the shop features a range of eco-conscious elements. Sun tubes allow natural daylight to illuminate the interior, reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Smart sensor nodes adjust low-energy light fittings in real time based on ambient conditions, while digital screens run on power generated from rooftop solar panels. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting system captures up to 3,000 liters, enabling a 13% reduction in water usage. The shop also uses heat pump air conditioning that recycles heat from refrigeration and ambient air to warm water, maximizing energy reuse throughout the site.
This Winchester location marks Greggs’ second eco-shop, following its earlier sustainable model in Northampton, which introduced features like knee-operated sinks and energy-efficient ovens. The new drive-thru serves as a testing ground for green technologies that could be rolled out across the entire estate.
Tony Rowson, Property Director at Greggs, shared his excitement: “We’re so excited to have launched our first ever eco drive-thru and proud of what we’re calling our shop of the future.” With a goal to make 25% of its stores eco-friendly by 2025, Greggs has already surpassed that milestone ahead of schedule, underscoring its commitment to building a more sustainable future.
Key Facts:
| Eco Drive-Thru Launch | First eco drive-thru by Greggs opened in Winchester, showcasing advanced sustainability features. |
|---|---|
| Sustainability Features | Incorporates sun tubes, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting to reduce waste and energy usage. |
| Previous Eco-Shop | First eco-shop in Northampton opened in 2022, testing energy-efficient and water-saving technologies. |
| Sustainability Targets | Greggs aims for 25% of shops to adopt eco-features by end of 2025, achieving 27% by end of 2024. |
| Tony Rowson's Commitment | Property Director stresses the importance of sustainability and aims for Net Zero carbon objectives. |
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