Colruyt Group wants its stores to have as little negative impact on the environment as possible. In order to achieve this objective, the group is investing in sustainable construction methods and materials, among other things. The Belgian retailer came to VITO for tailor-made advice.
Colruyt Group strives for low impact stores and therefore focuses on energy, water, mobility and infrastructure. The retailer aims in the future to only use reused, recycled or renewable building materials. When Colruyt Group tears down or renovates stores, nothing should end up at the waste disposal site. For this, Colruyt Group called on the help of VITO. “First, we want to get an idea of the volume of waste generated by demolition or renovation works or the construction of new stores. Which is why we are currently monitoring the demolition works at one store. We prepare detailed datasheets of all building materials. This states whether these materials can be recycled and in what way,” explains Kris Broos of VITO. “Since almost all stores are built with the same materials, Colruyt Group can immediately apply our recommendations to other sites.” Extension of the cooperation is a possibility. “There are plans to guide the Colruyt Group in the future in developing sustainable building concepts.”
