Technology developed by motor racing engineers is being trialled in 11 local co-operative stores which could lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions.

The regional, independent co-operative, Southern Co-op, is currently installing EcoBlades in its fridges across stores in Hampshire, Isle of Wight, West Sussex and Dorset.

The twin-bladed shelf-edge strips, developed by motor racing engineer Wirth Research, uses airflow to reduce cold air being lost into the aisles – the same technique used to direct airflow efficiently around racing cars.

Alongside the refrigeration technology installation, more solar PV (photovoltaic) panels are also being fitted at locations in Gosport, Lee on the Solent and Havant.

Gemma Lacey, Director of Sustainability and Communications, said: “There has been lots of work going on behind the scenes to reduce our carbon emissions including movement sensors to control lighting in back office areas, energy efficient lighting and new improved doors for refrigeration where suitable.

“Last year we also began a pilot solar panel scheme in four locations which has played a significant part in our efforts to tackle climate change. Overall, we have reduced our total carbon emissions by 25% since 2012.

“Whilst this is all good progress, given the urgent need to accelerate action on climate change, there is a need to go further, faster. Our Climate Action Group is currently developing a pathway to net zero carbon with plans to define specific targets and actions over the coming months.”

The new EcoBlade technology is expected to reduce energy consumption of the refrigeration by up to 25 per cent. It acts as an invisible air curtain keeping warm air out and cool air in.

The system is initially being trialled at The Co-operative Food stores in Alresford’s West Street, Bosham’s Delling Lane, Colden Common’s St Vigor Way, Freshwater’s Afton Road, Hayling Island’s Elm Grove, Lee on the Solent’s High Street, Portsmouth’s Eastney Road, Portsmouth’s New Road, Sturminster’s Station Road and Wittering’s Cakeham Road.

With refrigeration accounting for a large proportion of the energy use across its stores, Southern Co-op’s Sturminster store is also testing the energy saving levels of night blinds and energy efficient fans.

Emma McVie, Southern Co-op’s Project Manager, said: “Our stores are currently split between those that have fridges suitable for doors and those that could benefit from rolling out blade technology to reduce our carbon. If this trial is a success, we could roll out the technology to all 100 of these stores and make a substantial reduction in our carbon emissions.

“Our work on solar panels will also feed into this reduction as the existing sites have already reduced our CO2 emissions by 17 tonnes in year one. Over the 25 year expected lifespan of solar panels this would hopefully lead to a saving of 375 tonnes.”

Solar panels are already installed at East Devon Crematorium and retail stores in Clanfield’s White Dirt Lane, Portsmouth’s Eastney Road and Denmead’s Hambledon Road.

The new locations fitted with solar panels are The Co-operative Food stores in Gosport’s Forton Road and Lee on the Solent’s Twyford Drive, and The Oaks Crematorium, in Havant.

Southern Co-op has pledged to play its part locally and globally to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which focus on addressing the world’s biggest challenges including climate change.

To find out more about Southern Co-op’s commitment to the climate and environment, visit www.southernco-op.co.uk/our-plan/.