Green Design

Marks & Spencer have recently announced a major new environmental sustainability strategy designed to transform every part of the business and establish it as the UK’s leading “green retailer”. This five year plan, entitled ‘Plan A’ (there is no plan B) pledges A$452 million to become fully carbon neutral, ensure no waste goes to landfill, overhaul the supply chain to limit environmental impact, enhance ethical trading initiatives and educate customers on healthy and green living. The plan has won praise from environmental campaigners who branded it a watershed in the UK retail sector’s attitude to the environment. Based on the international move to ‘raise the bar’ for green retail the organisers of Retail Expo are introducing a new section within the 2008 show to showcase environmentally friendly building and design solutions. These will include lighting, heating, walling, plumbing and recycling options.