Kingfisher : A climate-friendly revolution in-store heating at Screwfix

Over the next four years, Screwfix is making a big investment to switch to a climate friendly heating solution in its stores. It has installed air source heat pumps in 150 locations so far and is targeting significantly more installations over the next 4 years, including all new stores.

By February 2022, 35 Screwfix stores with the biggest carbon footprints will be switched to air source heat pumps. We caught up with the team leading the project: Gary Worthington - National Property Development Manager, John Allen - Energy Manager and Olivia Green - Sustainability Manager, to hear about the benefits for the planet and the business.

What is an air source heat pump? And how is it good for the planet?

Olivia: This technology doesn't look very exciting; in fact you might mistake an air source heat pump for an air conditioning unit. But it's going to transform how we heat our stores with big benefits for the environment. It works like a fridge but in reverse - extracting heat from outside (even when it is really cold outside!) and using it to warm the air inside our stores. It replaces traditional gas or oil heating systems that use a lot of energy. It's all electric, so you don't need fossil fuels to run it, and a little electricity can provide a lot of heat. What's more, all the electricity we buy is from renewable sources.

By 2025 we want to have low-carbon technology warming the vast majority of Screwfix stores. That would save about 7,500 tonnes of carbon every year

And what about the benefits for the business?

Gary: Air-source heat pumps are some of the most efficient heating systems around. They are cost effective to run and they heat across the warehouse evenly, which is great during the winter months. In fact, we've already had brilliant feedback from colleagues in stores where the pumps have been installed.

John: These systems are very easy to operate too, and we can manage them remotely, tracking and comparing energy use between stores, spotting any maintenance requirements, and identifying opportunities to reduce energy use.

How did you get the idea?

Gary: We're always looking for ways to improve energy efficiency and decarbonise our business. We'd tested air source heat pumps initially in 12 stores and found that they worked well and could provide the level of heating needed. So, we took a proposal to our Board to expand the roll out. We were delighted that they agreed with our plans and approved the investment.
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Could this approach work in other banners?

John: It's the perfect solution for our size and type of store, which are smaller format. Other renewable technologies, such as green hydrogen, are likely to be more suitable for larger stores.

What advice would you give to someone starting out on a project like this?

Gary: Take time to understand the opportunity. John provided some great data on our carbon emissions to identify where our big impacts were. Then we needed to communicate the idea, show the urgency, and get all the key stakeholders on side. We were lucky to have great support right from the top with the Screwfix Board. Planning is also key to ensure that suppliers are in place to deliver the solution at the right time. Putting together a project team who share a passion for the end result, especially given the 4-year commitment, has been crucial.

We know we are at the start of a journey and that we will have challenges along the way. That's why collaboration is so important, and why it is vital to share the successes as our rollout develops to keep building the momentum.

What's the best thing about this project?

Gary: This is our "Earth Shot"*. It's our best opportunity to reduce carbon across our expanding estate. I've been involved in our new trade counter opening programme for 10 years, and this is one of the most important projects, if not the most important project, I've been involved in during that time. It's the responsible approach for our business and will make a real difference towards our future. I'm proud to be working with John and leading the project team delivering this.

*Earthshot Prize:

The Earthshot Prize is awarded by the Royal Foundation to five winners each year for their contributions to environmentalism. It was first awarded this year, 2021, and is planned to run annually until 2030. Each winner receives a grant of £1 million to continue their environmental work.

Did you know?

• Air source heat pumps are electric, so you don't need fossil fuels to run them
• They require less maintenance and have a long lifespan
• Using a cloud-based system called ITab, we can manage them remotely, track and compare energy use between stores and identify opportunities to reduce energy use.