Coles Group is one of the leading supermarket chains in Australia, with over 2,500 stores across the country. The company has been in operation for more than 100 years and has a strong reputation for providing high-quality products and excellent customer service. Coles Group has a strong commitment to sustainability and is actively working towards decarbonisation and the use of renewable energy sources.

One of the key areas of focus for Coles Group is corporate energy. The company recognises the importance of reducing its carbon footprint and is committed to using energy more efficiently. Coles Group has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce its energy consumption, including the installation of energy-efficient lighting and the use of smart meters to monitor energy usage.

In addition to reducing its energy consumption, Coles Group is also committed to using renewable energy sources. The company has signed a number of corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) to source renewable energy from wind and solar farms. These PPAs enable Coles Group to purchase renewable energy at a fixed price, providing certainty around energy costs and reducing the company's exposure to volatile energy markets.

One example of Coles Group's commitment to renewable energy is its partnership with Metka EGN, a leading renewable energy developer. Under the partnership, Metka EGN will develop three solar farms in regional New South Wales, which will supply renewable energy to Coles Group's stores. The solar farms are expected to generate around 220,000 MWh of renewable energy each year, reducing Coles Group's carbon footprint by around 180,000 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Coles Group is also exploring other ways to use renewable energy, such as the installation of rooftop solar panels on its stores. The company has already installed solar panels on a number of its stores, and is looking to expand this initiative across its entire store network. This will enable Coles Group to generate its own renewable energy, reducing its reliance on the grid and further reducing its carbon footprint.

In addition to its focus on renewable energy, Coles Group is also committed to decarbonisation. The company has set a target to reduce its carbon emissions by 75% by 2030, compared to 2020 levels. To achieve this target, Coles Group is implementing a range of initiatives, including the use of electric vehicles for its home delivery service, the installation of energy-efficient refrigeration systems, and the use of sustainable packaging.

Coles Group is also working with its suppliers to reduce the carbon footprint of its products. The company has developed a Sustainable Packaging Guidelines, which set out best practices for packaging design and materials. Coles Group is encouraging its suppliers to adopt these guidelines, and is also working with them to reduce the carbon footprint of their products through initiatives such as sustainable sourcing and supply chain optimisation.

Overall, Coles Group is a leader in the Australian supermarket sector when it comes to sustainability. The company's commitment to decarbonisation and the use of renewable energy sources is commendable, and its initiatives in these areas are making a significant contribution to reducing Australia's carbon footprint. As the company continues to grow and expand, it is likely that its focus on sustainability will only become stronger, making Coles Group a key player in the transition to a more sustainable future.