Latest news with #Bunnings
The Advertiser
8 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
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. 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. 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. 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.
Perth Now
8 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
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.
Perth Now
14 hours ago
- Business
- Perth Now
Former Bunnings site up for sale
A neglected and underutilised former Bunnings site on Russell Street in Morley is up for sale, with expressions of interest open and gaining attention. The 1.84 hectare site is located across from Morley Galleria, which it set for $350 million development. It's estimated that 14,000 cars pass the site each week, which perfectly positions the property for mixed use, retail or commercial uses. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Across from Morley Galleria and within close proximity to the CBD. Credit: Colliers The former Bunnings was set to close in 2018, however its life was extended after the Inglewood Bunnings was destroyed by fire. Bunnings eventually ended the lease and vacated the site in mid-2020 and since then its only been used for COVID drive-through testing and is currently used as an election polling station. In 2023, City of Bayswater councillors urged for better use and security of the area. Bayswater mayor Filomena Piffaretti said it was ripe for development as it is within the city's Morley Activity Centre Plan. 'With no height restrictions at Morley's core, this site could benefit from a wide variety of land uses to meet our community's changing needs and provide much-needed residential development.' she said. Artist's impression showing a concept for the former Bunnings site. Credit: Josh Eveson Ms Piffaretti said that the site also benefits from having direct access to public transport via the Galleria bus station, which provides easy access to Perth CBD and the new Morley train station. The site is also within 5km of Meltham, Bayswater, Maylands, Noranda and Ashfield train stations. Colliers head of retail middle markets Australia James Wilson, State chief executive WA Richard Cash and executive, investment services Aidan Austen are appointed to sell the development site. Mr Cash said that the property offered a rare opportunity for a 'transformative development', positioning it as a potential flagship project in Morley's continued urban renewal. 'Importantly, future urban expansion is being strategically concentrated within the Morley Activity Centre, reinforcing the area's role as a key hub for commercial, residential and mixed-use development,' he said. 'This aligns seamlessly with the site's prime location opposite the bustling Morley Galleria Shopping Centre and its flexible zoning, positioning it as a cornerstone project in the suburb's transformation.' PerthNow understands that a potential buyer is interested in using the site as an education precinct. Bayswater councillor Josh Eveson shared ideas for the site on social media, saying that in order to maximise the Morley Galleria redevelopment, they must ensure development surrounding it 'evolves in tandem'. 'The next logical step? Constancy of people and customers in Morley, with delivery of an education facility and reinstating government services, providing the community with essential resources to support growth and prosperity for everyone.' he said. 'This will be one to watch.' Expressions of interest for the site close on 2pm July 18.
The Guardian
17 hours ago
- Business
- The Guardian
Australian government loans $100m to install EV chargers and solar panels at Bunnings and Officeworks stores
Wesfarmers has secured a $100m loan with the government's Clean Energy Finance Corporation to install more solar panels, batteries and EV chargers at its Bunnings and Officeworks stores. The chief executive of the CEFC, Ian Learmonth, said he hoped the financing package at the high-profile stores would help create a 'ripple effect' through the commercial sector, where the uptake of rooftop solar has been slower than across residential properties. The financing package, to be paid back by Wesfarmers over seven years at a competitive interest rate, would help accelerate the group's decarbonisation plans, Learmonth said. 'As a leading Australian company with these household brand names, we can provide them with competitive finance that's allowing them to meet a business case to deliver roof top solar, battery storage, various energy efficiency initiatives and putting EV chargers in,' he said. Sign up for Guardian Australia's breaking news email 'There is potential growth in the commercial and industrial sectors. When people see Bunnings and Officeworks doing this, it adds a ripple effect where other large companies can be influenced by seeing what these companies are doing, and seeing their car parks with EV chargers.' He said large industrial roof spaces had not been as well utilised with solar panels as households, sometimes because either structurally the roofs were not strong enough, or agreements were complicated between tenants and building owners. He said: 'This is a great opportunity where we have the owner and operator – Wesfarmers – that we can work with.' The CEFC, with access to $32bn of government money, is a green bank that provides financing and loans to accelerate decarbonisation. Sign up to Breaking News Australia Get the most important news as it breaks after newsletter promotion Australia's retail sector accounts for half of the energy use of all commercial properties and 5% of the country's emissions. CEFC said the solar and battery installations could also help to stabilise the country's electricity grid. Storing solar electricity in batteries to use in evening peaks, for example, can help even out power demand at times of higher electricity use. The executive director at the CEFC, Richard Lovell, said: 'By focusing on using its existing building assets to support renewable energy generation and energy storage, which are crucial for energy demand management, Wesfarmers continues to execute its active decarbonisation strategy to reduce its direct emissions.' Bunnings, Officeworks and WesCEF all have targets to reach net zero direct emissions by 2030, and to use 100% renewable electricity by the end of 2025. Wesfarmers will also use part of the CEFC finance to fund a study at its chemicals, energy and fertiliser business, WesCEF, into decarbonising the production of sodium cyanide – a chemical used in gold production. Work to install and upgrade facilities at Bunnings and Officeworks sites is expected to be completed by the end of this year. Wesfarmers chief financial officer, Anthony Gianotti, said the company welcomed the backing of the CEFC. '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.'
News.com.au
2 days ago
- News.com.au
Aussies outraged over ‘criminal' Bunnings sausage sizzle act
A viral video has sent Aussies into a frenzy after it was revealed a Bunnings shopper received a chicken sausage at one of the hardware store's famous sausage sizzles. The 'crime' was shared by user Lauren Richter, who called the twist on the beloved snack 'unconstitutional'. In her now viral clip, Ms Richter filmed herself in her car after the incident, using the popular sound bite, 'That was rude'. While she didn't provide much other commentary around the ordeal, she did use the hashtag #traumabonding – and that's exactly what the comments quickly did. 'This is an outrage,' said one. Another joked, 'This is against the Geneva Convention,' as someone else quipped that she 'might be entitled to compensation'. Others pointed out, for those who weren't outraged enough or didn't get it, that Bunnings' snags are typically beef or pork, and chicken sausages are often considered to be 'flavourless' or a 'cheap alternative'. 'That's just a no,' another critic slammed. 'Yuck,' said someone else, along with vomiting emojis. 'Who is doing chicken bangers? Call the police,' another echoed. However, while the majority of comments leaned towards outrage and mock horror, not everyone was opposed to the poultry option. 'I wish I could get a chicken one,' said one user. 'I want one. Can you ship one to me?' asked another. To get to the bottom of the matter, reached out to Bunnings for comment. Katie Hynes, Bunnings Head of Community, Partnerships and Events said: 'Our team loves the fact many families make it a tradition to come down to their local Bunnings store on the weekend and support some great organisations. 'We always try to cater to the preferences of community groups where possible, and this includes different types of sausages.' understands that there are guidelines in place for community groups to apply to host a sausage sizzle at Bunnings stores. This application process includes discussion with their store about what types of sausages they plan on selling and whether they cater to specific dietary, lifestyle and religious preferences. The Bunnings sausage sizzle has been around for several decades. Last year alone, they helped raise and contribute more than $61 million for community organisations across Australia and New Zealand.
