In 2024, Auchan Romania took a decisive step in turning its sustainability vision into measurable results. At the heart of this journey lies an ambitious energy strategy that combines a strong focus on renewable energy sources with practical efficiency measures.
The story begins with the photovoltaic panels installed by Auchan on its stores
Over 18,000 photovoltaic panels have been installed on 16 hypermarkets and the two logistics platforms in Călan and Ștefăneștii de Jos, generating more than 8 million kWh of electricity in a single year. This investment covers up to 20% of the energy consumption of these locations and prevents almost 5,800 tonnes of CO₂ from being released into the atmosphere – emissions that would otherwise have been generated through the use of conventional energy.
An important step with long-term impact
To strengthen its energy autonomy and support the transition to a sustainable model, Auchan accelerated in 2024 the development of its own company, Auchan Renewable Energy (ARE) — founded in 2023 as a platform dedicated to the production, transport, and distribution of renewable energy.
An organizational culture based on sustainability
At Auchan Romania, the shift towards sustainability is happening from within: through education, accountability, and involvement at all levels. When people understand the meaning and impact of their actions, sustainability becomes part of the organizational culture, a daily practice integrated into every decision.
This culture is also reflected in complementary measures that go beyond solar energy. In 2024, Auchan introduced the first electric truck for urban deliveries in Romania, extended its network of CO₂-based refrigerated display cases by another 1.2 kilometers, improved the roof waterproofing of its stores, and optimized transport volumes and routes. The results are already visible: a reduction of over 50% in emissions from energy consumption compared to the previous year, a 28% decrease in emissions from natural gas, fuels and refrigerants, and an 18% cut in emissions generated by the transport of goods.
Auchan’s transition is not only technical, but also analytical, through carbon footprint measurement systems. Using the Carbon Tracking Tool, a digital instrument implemented for the first time in Romania within the Auchan Group, the company can calculate and simulate emission reductions for Scope 1, 2 and 3, aligned with Science Based Targets (SBTi) standards. In this way, reporting becomes an active process of planning and decision-making.
Auchan’s energy transition is also supported by circular economy initiatives with a direct impact on energy production. In 2024, 220 tonnes of food waste were transformed into biogas, while 430,000 liters of used cooking oil were recycled into biofuel. Thus, part of the resources that were previously treated as waste become alternative sources of energy and fuel, helping to reduce dependence on fossil resources and to increase the company’s energy autonomy.
In just one year of activity, ARE has managed to supply 47% of the energy needs of four stores, and by the end of 2025 it will provide 60% of the consumption of 30 locations and the head office.
Through a mix of photovoltaic panels, its own energy company, energy sobriety plans, investments in energy-efficient equipment and advanced digital tools, Auchan is accelerating the transition towards energy autonomy. In a sector often measured by volume and price, sustainability can also be a driver of resilience, efficiency and profitability growth.
Curated by Auchan Retail Romania
