Grocery stores: where energy efficiency is the real checkout line

Grocery stores are the lifeblood of our weekly routines, providing everything from fresh produce to late-night snacks. But behind those sliding doors, stores are quietly burning through energy like it’s going out of style. And guess who’s picking up the tab? That’s right – consumers, the environment, and the store owners who are facing rising electricity bills. 

But it needn’t be this way. It’s time to upgrade and start using energy that’s clean, efficient and – best of all – more affordable. Grocery stores have the potential to be leaders in the renewable energy revolution and here’s how.

Rooftop solar: the no-brainer solution

Picture a vast sea of flat rooftops baking in the sun. The average grocery store rooftop is between 500 and 1,500 square metres, affording plenty of space to position solar panels to start capturing free energy from all that sun. Installing solar panels  lowers energy bills, reduces reliance on the grid and if batteries are included increases resilience against potential power outages. On top of that, governments across the world are helping to fund the transition in the form of tax credits, grants and rebates for businesses ready to make the switch. So, why haven’t more stores done so? Sadly, the answer often boils down to reluctance to innovate. 

Car park solar canopies: shade and sustainability in one move

Beyond the building roof tops, grocery store car parks present another prime opportunity for generating renewable energy. Ever come back to your car after grocery shopping and feel like you just stepped into an oven? 

Not only do car park solar canopies provide a means for generating energy, they also help reduce the urban heat island effect –  a major concern in many cities. By shading parking lots, these canopies help to cool the environment, making it more comfortable for shoppers and reducing the demand on air conditioning systems inside the store. This creates a dual benefit: lowering energy costs for the store while enhancing the overall customer experience. 

Even better, grocery stores can install electric vehicle charging stations underneath these canopies, appealing to the growing number of electric car owners. It’s a win-win: sustainable energy production, free energy for consumers driving electric and an improved shopping experience.

The refrigeration problem no one talks about

Refrigeration is the silent energy gobbler in grocery stores. Traditional refrigeration systems in grocery stores require vast amounts of electricity, racking up high bills and contributing heavily to the store’s carbon emissions. In addition, when these systems break down unexpectedly, stores can lose thousands of dollars in spoiled goods. 

Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient refrigeration systems means lower electricity use and cost, reduced food waste and fewer costly emergency repairs. Furthermore, if these refrigeration units are solar powered by the store’s own panels – even better! 

Once upon a time, the USDA offered free energy audits and financial assistance to stores looking to make the switch to sustainability – business owners should stay informed about local and state programmes and take advantage of any available funding.

Time to take action

Grocery stores can and should stop making excuses and start embracing the energy transition.

LED lighting, smart energy management systems, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and a shift towards eco-friendly non-plastic packaging should be the norm, not the exception.

The evidence is clear: being responsible stewards of the environment, from a business perspective, is a win-win on all fronts – for profits, people and the planet. Grocery stores can no longer afford to ignore this; and neither can consumers. It’s time to demand better: no more excuses; no more unnecessary waste. The future is renewable and it’s time for grocery stores to make the shift towards a cleaner, more sustainable tomorrow.

This is precisely why EARTHDAY.ORG chose the powerful Earth Day theme for 2025 as Our Power, Our Planet – an urgent call to action aimed at tripling the amount of electricity generated by renewable energy by 2030. 

As grocery stores look to the future, they’re not alone in the need for a shift towards renewable energy. The world faces an increasing demand for energy, so transitioning to renewable sources is no longer a choice, but a necessity. Thanks to breakthroughs in solar, wind and energy storage technologies, clean energy is becoming more accessible and cost-effective than ever. This growing momentum isn’t just a passing trend – it’s a crucial part of the global effort to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable world. Just like grocery stores, industries everywhere must step up and embrace solutions that benefit both their bottom line and the planet. 

This ambitious transition is not only achievable but is also already projected to happen as nations and industries accelerate their shift towards sustainable energy solutions. However, achieving this goal requires collective effort, commitment and support from all corners of society.

So, how can you play a role in this vital movement? This Earth Day, take part in Earth Action Day and become part of the global solution. Whether through signing petitions, writing to lawmakers, getting climate educated, embracing advocacy or pledging your personal support, you have the power to help advance the renewable energy revolution. Every action counts, and together we can ensure a healthier, more sustainable planet for generations to come. Join the fight for a liveable, thriving world by making your voice heard and your commitment felt today.

Meet the author  

Aidan Charron: Associate Director, Global Earth Day, EARTHDAY.ORG

Aidan has a BSc in biology, with a concentration in tertiary and freshwater studies with a minor in geographic information systems, from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. A dedicated environmentalist since the age of 12, Aidan learnt to scuba dive, made the Outer Banks his go-to place for diving and started to work at a local aquarium, regularly diving in the shark tanks as part of their education events.

Drawing on this inspiration from his childhood, Aidan developed a deep-seated passion for the environment. After college, Aidan worked in wetland reclamation and joined Earth Day in 2020, helping to shape the End Plastics Campaign and becoming the Director of Planet Vs Plastics, the Earth Day theme for 2024. In August 2024, Aidan was promoted to Associate Director, Global Earth Day and will be spear-heading EDO’s campaign and theme in 2025, Our Power, Our Planet backing renewable energy and calling for a tripling of clean electricity generation by 2030.