LuLu Group is planning to install charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) in its store parking lots to help decarbonise mobility and to encourage the use of more EVs. The plan came in the wake of LuLu’s announcement that its Al Meshaf store has become the first carbon-neutral hypermarket in the GCC region.
As part of its sustainability stewardship, LuLu’s project and operations team is already studying and identifying the areas for reduction opportunities in energy, water, and waste. The group’s ongoing efforts to reduce energy, water, and waste, and to promote healthy eating have achieved sustainable operations certification for various outlets in Qatar.
LuLu Hypermarket in Qatar is one of the first retailers in Mena to achieve sustainable operations certification under the Global Sustainability Assessment System (GSAS) from the Gulf Organisation for Research & Development (GORD). LuLu Group Qatar also won the Tarsheed Award for Sustainability and Energy Efficiency at the 10th anniversary of the National Programme for Conservation and Energy Efficiency (Tarsheed) in the category ‘Tarsheed Conserving Building Competition’ for being the only private sector business in Qatar to achieve the targeted reduction of electricity and water consumption.
LuLu also installed a Building Management System to efficiently manage assets associated with building ventilation and lighting, as well as Cloud Energy Optimisation System-Honeywell Forge to efficiently manage and optimise the energy used during the operations.
The use of LED is being encouraged for upcoming projects while existing projects are gradually shifting to LED from conventional lights, and light control systems assisted with motion sensors are being considered to optimise the use of energy, especially in warehouse operations. LuLu stated that it will procure new energy-efficient chillers to optimise the use of energy and increase cooling efficiency. To manage water consumption and energy, submetres are being implemented in tenant spaces, while new projects are being encouraged to use a double flush system to reduce water usage.
Its outlets across Qatar are being encouraged to segregate their waste for easy disposal and collection. Three-compartment bins are implemented in all general areas to encourage customers in waste segregation. Food waste digesters are being used to efficiently manage food waste generated in operations. An innovative food waste solution, ‘ORCA’, which recycles food waste by breaking it down into water (mainly), and some carbs, fats, and proteins, which are then captured or repurposed, is currently being trailed at LuLu’s Bin Mahmoud store.
LuLu procured and distributed reverse vending machines in multiple outlets to encourage and educate customers on the segregation and recycling of plastic bottles and cans. Reusable bags were introduced and promoted in all the outlets to encourage customers to reuse their shopping bags, thereby reducing fresh plastic in the system.
Recycling of paper waste and oil waste are being implemented and encouraged throughout with the help of recycling partners that efficiently divert these materials from landfill and recycle them back into the system. LuLu introduced refilling stations, Kraft paper bags, and biodegradable packaging made from sugarcane pulp used for packing in-house kitchen products to reduce the amount of plastic in packaging.
To maintain efficiency and eliminate waste in its operations, LuLu is implementing controlled production, controlled ordering of raw materials, increased consumption of locally sourced ingredients, promoting sustainable suppliers and products, and introducing plant-based food options.
