How M&S Built Their First Sustainable Learning Store

Online, July 11, 2011 (Newswire.com) - In 2007 M&S launched Plan A, an eco and ethical strategy tackling climate change, waste, raw materials, health and being a fair partner. In 2010 the retailer committed to building two sustainable learning stores each year: The first of the series, Ecclesall Road in Sheffield opened its doors in April 2011.

The Plan A team aim to use the stores to develop their knowledge of sustainable construction by trailing new technologies and processes which if successful can be rolled out across their property portfolio. It's part of M&S's drive to become one of the world's most sustainable retailers by 2015.

The Ecclesall Road Simply Food store was built on an old petrol station site, recycling all the demolished building's waste and using reclaimed bricks from a local mill to build the outer shell.

100% LED lighting has been installed throughout to reduce energy consumption by a predicted 25% and a heat reclaim system which recycles waste heat from the refrigerators to heat the building will reduce carbon emissions by 23%.

Aiming for a BREEAM Excellent retail rating with a score of 78.49%, Head of Construction, Plan A, Munish Datta says: 'Engaging people in trying to deliver a project like this is all about winning hearts and minds'.

'It's about making sure that people are with you in terms of knowing how important it is to create sustainable buildings.......then actually they'll work harder for you to create, and deliver on some of the tough targets that you've set for it'.

View the short film now at http://www.building.co.uk/duluxtrade/mands?origin=mspr

This film was produced by UBM Client Solutions for Building magazine and Dulux Trade Contract Partnership.

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