Lidl Ireland has launched the nation’s first Net Zero Energy supermarket in Maynooth, marking a milestone for sustainable retail development. The €10 million project aligns with national climate goals while demonstrating scalable carbon reduction in commercial operations.

Constructed in partnership with the Irish Green Building Council, the supermarket achieves near-total energy self-sufficiency through a 575 kWp solar power system spanning the roof and car park. The system, equivalent in size to 13 tennis courts, generates all operational power on-site, offsetting embodied carbon emissions.

The building design prioritises circular construction methods and low-carbon materials. Stone from the original Maynooth store was reused on-site, while concrete incorporates 50% recycled content. A glulam timber roof and lightweight composite wall panels further reduce the structure’s environmental footprint.

Inside, advanced energy-efficient refrigeration and heat recovery systems enable the store to recycle waste heat for climate control, cutting energy demand even further. Lidl estimates annual energy savings sufficient to power 40 average Irish households and carbon reductions equal to 1,500 flights between Ireland and Spain.

The project also supports local employment, with 32 new permanent roles and 150 construction jobs created during the redevelopment. The store’s opening, attended by Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien, underscores government support for corporate sustainability in large-scale retail.

For Lidl, this store represents a tangible application of sustainable engineering and design practices that can be replicated across its wider European network. It reinforces the commercial feasibility of low-carbon retail infrastructure while responding to evolving consumer and regulatory expectations.

Stay updated on how Lidl’s Net Zero strategy is redefining green retail standards across Ireland by accessing the full article here.