ALDI is building a future-proof, climate-neutral retail chain

Bringing structure to a multitude of initiatives

ALDI is a leading retailer that has embedded sustainability in its corporate values for many years. The retail chain has already invested in a wide range of sustainability initiatives, from solar panels and CO₂ audits to energy-efficient refrigeration technologies. With the ambition of becoming fully carbon-neutral by 2050, the company faced the challenge of bringing these individual efforts together under one clear, strategic and future-proof vision.

The planned construction of a new logistics centre, the further roll-out of photovoltaic (PV) installations and the growing need for energy-efficient technologies only increased the urgency. With a logistics site covering the equivalent of eight football pitches, hundreds of stores and a rapidly growing workforce, ALDI needed a partner capable of combining strategic insight with technical expertise. Not simply to deliver individual projects, but to develop an integrated approach that would prepare the entire organisation for a climate-neutral future.

A forward-looking and actionable strategy

What started with an initial site scan in 2016 evolved into a long-term strategic partnership, with Encon helping to shape ALDI’s sustainability transformation step by step.

We analysed the company’s entire energy system, identified priorities based on impact and feasibility, and guided ALDI through a series of interconnected projects that together created a powerful and coherent sustainability strategy.

ALDI as a benchmark for sustainability in retail

The construction of the logistics centre became the flagship project of this integrated approach. With Encon’s guidance, the building achieved a BREEAM Outstanding certification, the highest international rating for sustainable buildings and a rare achievement within the retail sector. The warehouse was named Logistics Building of the Year 2019 and is widely recognised as a national example of corporate social responsibility.

The results speak for themselves:

• The integration of 90 sustainability parameters into the design and construction of the new logistics centre.
• A systematic roll-out of solar panels across the entire store network.
• Lower CO₂ emissions and improved energy efficiency. Extensive PV installations, natural CO₂ refrigeration and smart energy integration significantly reduced environmental impact while optimising energy management.
• Strong employer practices and employee well-being. ALDI continues to invest in a future-proof working environment where employees feel valued, contributing to higher retention, engagement and pride.
• Economic growth with social added value. These investments strengthen regional employment and support stable, sustainable growth on the path towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

Through this integrated approach, ALDI has positioned itself as a frontrunner in sustainable retail, demonstrating how environmental ambition can go hand in hand with operational excellence and long-term business success.