Lower energy use just the beginning for retail giant
Major Australian and New Zealand retailers are primed for an energy switch following millions of dollars in federal funding to decarbonise their services.
Wesfarmers, who own shops like Officeworks, Bunnings, Kmart and Coles will finance rooftop solar, battery storage, a vehicle smart charging pilot and other efficiency initiatives across stores.
This comes from a $100 million commitment from government-backed Clean Energy Finance Corporation, labelled Australia's specialist climate investor.
It means Wesfarmers will be able to manage energy consumption across its retail sites and make them more efficient through storage.
These installed or upgraded facility changes are expected to be in effect by the end of 2025.
"We have long managed our businesses with climate and carbon awareness and we are committed to continuing to take action to reduce our impact on the environment," Wesfarmers CFO Anthony Gianotti said.
A study to accelerate decarbonisation across stores will also be undertaken under the funding envelope.
Adopting these initiatives is a "practical and speedy" way to cut the organisations carbon footprint, the climate investor's CEO Ian Learmonth said.
"Many Australians would have enjoyed a Bunnings Saturday sausage sizzle or taken the path to Officeworks for those back-to-school necessities," he said.
"At selected sites they will soon be able to add vehicle charging to their store visits while enjoying solar-powered air conditioning."
Australia's retail sector accounts for 50 per cent of energy use in the commercial property sector and five per cent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions.
Batteries, virtual power plants and electric vehicles can reduce grid demand through co-ordination of their charging and discharging, the Australian Energy Market Operator said.
Federal energy minister Chris Bowen said the partnership will drive down emissions and lower energy costs, while providing knock-on benefits to households.
"This boost in finance by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation will accelerate Wesfarmers' efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, make the shift to cleaner and cheaper energy and better manage energy use," he said.
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Adopting these initiatives is a "practical and speedy" way to cut the organisations carbon footprint, the climate investor's CEO Ian Learmonth said. "Many Australians would have enjoyed a Bunnings Saturday sausage sizzle or taken the path to Officeworks for those back-to-school necessities," he said. "At selected sites they will soon be able to add vehicle charging to their store visits while enjoying solar-powered air conditioning." Australia's retail sector accounts for 50 per cent of energy use in the commercial property sector and five per cent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. Batteries, virtual power plants and electric vehicles can reduce grid demand through co-ordination of their charging and discharging, the Australian Energy Market Operator said. Federal energy minister Chris Bowen said the partnership will drive down emissions and lower energy costs, while providing knock-on benefits to households. 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The board also includes former treasurer Joe Hockey, ex-WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson and Bears tragic James Bracey. But it is Cumins' name which is of most interest ahead of Perth's 2027 entry. The Cash Converters executive chair had spent more than a decade trying to have a Perth side back in the competition and led a high-profile consortium bid. But his dream looked dashed when he was accused of low-balling the NRL last year, not offering a license fee as part of the Western Bears' push for inclusion. The consortium later responded by offering up a $20 million fee, but by that point the NRL had moved on and decided to negotiate with the state government instead. Even so, Cumins' consortium remained crucial in the establishment of the 18th franchise. It was the consortium who reached an agreement with North Sydney for Perth to link with the Bears, while the bid document remains with the NRL. Despite the rejection, Cumins had long maintained he was open to assisting with any Perth side if it was to be admitted to the NRL. "It is very disappointing for us, but if they can get a team up in Perth and there is anything I can do to help, then I will," Cumins told AAP in January. "That was my motivation for being involved. "I am a rugby league man. I would love to see a Perth team get up. If it is not privately owned and is owned by the NRL then I am not fussed. "I will do anything to assist ... if asked." The appointment of the Bears' board puts the framework in place for coach Mal Meninga to hit the open market in November. Meninga has already appointed Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner as one of his deputies, while former Seven West news boss Anthony de Ceglie is CEO. "The Perth Bears is a club which is taking shape by the day and will quickly capture the hearts and minds of fans as we approach 2027," ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys said. "The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives. "The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders. "The heritage of the North Sydney Bears, the energy of the west, all combined with an innovative and talented board of exceptional individuals will set the new club on the right path immediately." 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The board also includes former treasurer Joe Hockey, ex-WA Cricket CEO Christina Matthews, North Sydney chair Daniel Dickson and Bears tragic James Bracey. But it is Cumins' name which is of most interest ahead of Perth's 2027 entry. The Cash Converters executive chair had spent more than a decade trying to have a Perth side back in the competition and led a high-profile consortium bid. But his dream looked dashed when he was accused of low-balling the NRL last year, not offering a license fee as part of the Western Bears' push for inclusion. The consortium later responded by offering up a $20 million fee, but by that point the NRL had moved on and decided to negotiate with the state government instead. Even so, Cumins' consortium remained crucial in the establishment of the 18th franchise. It was the consortium who reached an agreement with North Sydney for Perth to link with the Bears, while the bid document remains with the NRL. Despite the rejection, Cumins had long maintained he was open to assisting with any Perth side if it was to be admitted to the NRL. "It is very disappointing for us, but if they can get a team up in Perth and there is anything I can do to help, then I will," Cumins told AAP in January. "That was my motivation for being involved. "I am a rugby league man. I would love to see a Perth team get up. If it is not privately owned and is owned by the NRL then I am not fussed. "I will do anything to assist ... if asked." The appointment of the Bears' board puts the framework in place for coach Mal Meninga to hit the open market in November. Meninga has already appointed Penrith assistant Ben Gardiner as one of his deputies, while former Seven West news boss Anthony de Ceglie is CEO. "The Perth Bears is a club which is taking shape by the day and will quickly capture the hearts and minds of fans as we approach 2027," ARL Commission chair Peter V'landys said. "The inaugural and historic Perth Bears Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals with the right skills to ensure the Perth Bears Club is successful and thrives. "The group comprises industry leaders both in Western Australia as well as across Australia more broadly, as well as sporting leaders. "The heritage of the North Sydney Bears, the energy of the west, all combined with an innovative and talented board of exceptional individuals will set the new club on the right path immediately." PERTH BEARS INAUGURAL BOARD: Ben Morton (Chair; Western Australian Business and Community Leader, Former Australian Government Minister) Emma Garlett (Western Australian lawyer) John Dumesny (Experienced Sports Administrator) Joe Hockey (Former Australian Treasurer and Diplomat) Christina Matthews (Western Australian Sports Administrator and Tourism Leader) Daniel Dickson (Chair of North Sydney Bears) James Bracey (TV sports presenter and journalist, former North Sydney Bears board member) Jacqueline Johnstone (Governance, integrity and strategy expert) Peter Cumins (Western Australia Businessman)
