BORD BIA: MARKS & SPENCER'S Plan A green business initiative has generated financial savings of almost €82 million so far this year, according to the firm.
One project involved funding the replacement of a hydroelectric turbine at the last working watermill on the River Thames in Oxfordshire. The new turbine replaced one that had existed at the Mapledurham Estate since the 1920s.
The new 24-tonne turbine generates enough electricity each day to theoretically power one of the M&S stores for a year.
The turbine, which cost €590,000, will pay for itself in 10 years and generate income for the estate, which produces milk and flour for M&S.
Another project involved a €2.3 million renovation of an underwear factory in Derbyshire.It has just been awarded eco-factory status by the retailer, a first for one of its UK suppliers. It currently has 16 eco-factories around the world.