French retailer Carrefour has signed the EcoGaz Charter, pledging to reduce its gas consumption to alleviate demand over the coming months.
The commitment follows on from Carrefour's signing of the Ecowatt Charter in July, with which the group pledged to reduce its electricity usage in the event of similar surge demands.
The EcoGaz Charter was developed by gas network GRTgaz, alongside ADEME, and the retailer's commitment to it underlines its commitment to everyday sustainability, Carrefour said in a statement.
Controlling Consumption
"Controlling energy consumption has become, in the current context of the energy crisis, a citizen and societal issue," commented Carine Kraus, executive director of engagement at Carrefour.
"We must all mobilise if we want to avoid cuts in the energy networks this winter. Carrefour, the first major retailer to have signed the Ecowatt Charter in July 2022, is continuing its mobilisation by being one of the very first signatories of the EcoGaz Charter and by committing to take responsibility in the event of overheating of the gas network."
Reduced Usage
As part of its commitment, Carrefour has pledged to reduce gas-powered hearing in its stores, where required, as well as reducing the use of in-store ovens.
In addition, the retailer will also train its 85,000 personnel across France on measures to reduce gas usage, including shutting down equipment not in use and optimising cooking batches where possible.
Gas consumption comprises around 20% of the retailer's total energy consumption, Carrefour said.
In France, some 11 million people rely on gas for heating, hot water or cooking.
© 2022 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
