Tritax Big Box REIT plc has funded the installation of 6,744 solar panels at the Co-op’s largest regional distribution centre in Bedfordshire, which services more than 600 stores across the south of England. This significant renewable energy investment marks a major step forward in supporting the retailer’s sustainability commitments and reducing its carbon footprint.
The new solar PV system is expected to generate approximately 2,500 MWh of renewable electricity each year—enough to power a substantial portion of the depot’s operations. By producing clean energy on site, the installation will reduce reliance on the national grid, ease peak demand pressures, and help Co-op progress towards its goal of achieving Net Zero across its own operations by 2035.
The project also delivers broader environmental benefits, generating power on-site will cut greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrate the role that large-scale distribution facilities can play in producing renewable energy at scale.
James Charlesworth, Director – Asset Management at Tritax Big Box, commented:
“This installation of 6,744 solar panels demonstrates Co-op’s ambitious approach to reducing its emissions and wider carbon footprint. The 2,500 MWh of electricity generated will make a meaningful contribution to meeting Co-op’s energy needs. This forms part of our broader ESG strategy, as we are working closely with a number of our clients to install solar PV, enhance building efficiency, and support their journeys towards net zero.”
Heather Thomas, Group Property & Sustainability Director at Co-op, said:
“The completion of the solar panel installation at our Biggleswade depot is a landmark moment for Co-op. This initiative underlines our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates how businesses can make impactful changes to protect the planet. By harnessing renewable energy, we are not only reducing emissions but also setting a strong example of best practice on how sustainable energy can be effectively integrated into day-to-day business operations”.
Tritax Big Box appointed BasePower as its specialist consultant to lead the project from initial concept through construction and commissioning, ensuring successful delivery. BasePower will also provide ongoing monitoring, metering management, and maintenance to keep the system operating at peak performance.
ENDS
Notes:
Tritax Big Box REIT plc (ticker: BBOX) is the largest listed investor in high-quality logistics warehouse assets and controls the largest logistics-focused land platform in the UK. Tritax Big Box is committed to delivering attractive and sustainable returns for shareholders by investing in and actively managing existing built investments and land suitable for logistics development. The Company focuses on well-located, modern logistics assets, typically let to institutional-grade clients on long-term leases with upward-only rent reviews and geographic and client diversification throughout the UK. Additionally, having adopted a "power first" approach, the Company has recently secured its first data centre development opportunities (amounting to 272MW), and has a pipeline of over 1-gigawatt of further opportunities, offering the potential to deliver exceptional returns on an accelerated basis.
The Company is a real estate investment trust to which Part 12 of the UK Corporation Tax Act 2010 applies, is listed on the Official List of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and is a constituent of the FTSE 250, FTSE EPRA/NAREIT and MSCI indices.
Further information on Tritax Big Box REIT is available at www.tritaxbigbox.co.uk
