Countdown’s greenest store is proving a success with locals after it opened its doors last Wednesday. “This is an investment in the people of the region with over 100 staff, whether they are part time, after school, holiday or career workers,” says mayor Tim King, who cut the green ribbon at the opening ceremony. The 3450 square metre store aims to be New Zealand’s very first Green Star supermarket, which is an internationally-recognised, sustainability rating system for design, construction, and operation of buildings. MP Rachel Boyack, who spoke at the opening, says the supermarket is an incredible achievement for the area. “Green Star’s ratings go from 1 to 6 and this store is going to be a 4. That’s something to really be acknowledged as we need to reduce our emissions across New Zealand.” Countdown aim to push that rating to a 6 by 2025.
To help reduce carbon emissions, every fridge and freezer has a glass door. Ten doors save enough energy to power a New Zealand home for a year and save Co2 emissions equivalent to taking three cars off our roads for a year. They also mean warmer aisles for shoppers. Other green features include solar panels on the roof, LED lighting, EV charging points for customers’ cars, digital shelf labels to reduce paper use, an electric truck for the delivery of online orders and water-saving taps. The instore pharmacy will dispense free prescriptions and the online service has a drive-thru pick-up point to make the experience easier for customers.
Countdown officials spoke of their appreciation of the Tasman District Council for their support throughout the project and the completion of the roading aspect ahead of schedule. Over 2,800 customers went through the checkouts on opening day.