The retailer Marks & Spencer is hoping to lead the way in eco-stores by opening up two ‘green’ shops in Scotland next month. The new stores are part of a £200 million project to make the company carbon-neutral.

Shoppers are unlikely to notice any difference at the new stores, however behind the scenes, there are a myriad of technologies aimed at helping the company reduce it’s energy usage. M&S claim that the new stored will use 25% less energy than their standard stored, and will cut carbon dioxide emissions in half.

A wind turbine in Aberdeenshire will be providing energy to the branches to help reduce their energy bill. Rainwater will also be collected and used in the flushing of toilets in the building, helping to lower water usage by an estimated 40%. More efficient lighting and ventilation systems will also be used to help prevent heat and energy losses. Timber used in store will come from forests accredited by the Forestry Stewardship Council which promotes responsible forest management. Cellophane will be replaced in food packaging by naturally grown products.

Both stores will open in October –one store at Silverburn Retail Park in Glasgow, and on in Galashiels in the Borders.

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