Metro China launches chain’s first green store
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German retail and trading giant Metro China has launched its first global green store in the Pearl River delta city of Dongguan.
It aims to upgrade its sustainable development in the Chinese market, where it had double-digit growth in its latest fiscal year.
Metro China president Jeroen de Groot says the green renovation of its Dongguan Wanjiang store is estimated to help it cut its annual energy consumption by as much as 50 per cent. It makes full use of clean energy, namely solar and wind power.
The renovation cost more than 5 million yuan (US$75,700), and Metro plans to convert all its mainland stores to become green.
“Innovation and change have always been the driving forces for sustainable growth at Metro, and the green renovation of the Dongguan Wanjiang store is our new endeavour in the field of energy conservation and environment protection, aiming to promote long-term social sustainability,” says de Groot.
Metro opened its first mainland store in Shanghai in 1996 and now has 84 stores employing more than 11,000 people in 58 Chinese cities. Its annual sales volume reached €2.66 billion (US$3 billion) during the fiscal year to September 30 last year, up 17.4 per cent.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the expected environmental benefit of renovating the Dongguan Wanjiang store?
What is the expected environmental benefit of renovating the Dongguan Wanjiang store?
The green renovation of the Dongguan Wanjiang store is estimated to reduce its annual energy consumption by up to 50 per cent. This will be achieved through the full use of clean energy sources like solar and wind power.
Q.What are Metro China's broader plans for sustainability following this launch?
What are Metro China's broader plans for sustainability following this launch?
Metro China plans to convert all its mainland stores to become green, indicating a commitment to energy conservation and environmental protection across its entire operation in the country. This initiative aims to promote long-term social sustainability.
Q.How much did the renovation of the first green store cost?
How much did the renovation of the first green store cost?
The renovation of the Dongguan Wanjiang store, making it Metro China's first green store, cost more than 5 million yuan. This equates to approximately US$75,700 based on current exchange rates mentioned in the article.
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