Grocery shopping might not be the typical activity that one thinks of sustainability. You grab your stuff, bag it out and leave. At least, that is how I thought of it. 

Realizing how urgent it is to act upon improving climate change impact and adapting sustainable practices in our everyday life, it is clear that every day, we can do something to help combat the fight against air pollution, carbon emissions, and global warming – a challenge of all humanity at this point of time, regardless of our differences.

The environmental impact of grocery stores, supermarkets and even corner shops is bigger than one might think. By adopting eco-friendly practices, these businesses can minimise environmental impact, reduce waste, lower energy consumption, cut carbon emissions, and foster long-term business sustainability. 

Embracing eco-friendly measures not only benefits the environment but also enhances brand image, attracts environmentally conscious customers, and ensures compliance with evolving regulations. Ultimately, it’s a strategic move that aligns with the values of a socially and environmentally aware consumer base.

Energy Consumption – How Much do Supermarkets Consume Energy?

According to data by the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade of Kosovo, the new units of supermarket chains opened in Kosovo every year are on the rise, with the data revealing that in 2021 there are approximately 30 new supermarket units in the country. 

Urbanization, the emerging middle class, globalization, the increase in female labour in the market as well as the curiosity for the Western lifestyle, especially in Eastern Europe, have been some of the reasons why the number of supermarkets in the zone, including Kosovo is on the rise. 

A study conducted by Super Smart and the European Union reveals that supermarkets consume three to four per cent of the annual electricity production in industrialized countries. That can vary slightly for smaller and developing countries like Kosovo but remains valid, considering the number of markets that are operating in the territory. 

Refrigeration is believed to be the main form of energy consumption in supermarkets, as more than half of it is spent to prevent goods from unspoilt (55 per cent). The rest of the energy consumption is allocated for heating (around 20 per cent) and lightning (17 per cent). 

Ben Dida from the Climate Awareness Association (CAA) confirms that the energy consumed to keep products fresh, in addition to other practices, has a negative environmental impact. 

“Supermarkets have a significant impact on the environment, producing large amounts of waste, using a lot of plastic packaging, and consuming energy to keep products fresh. Some of the negative impacts also include air pollution from the transportation of goods,” he said. 

In order to address this issue, Dida says that supermarkets can opt for sustainable sources for their energy consumption. 

Aldi Süd Rasttat, in Germany, is a case study that can be a model of how energy consumption can be lowered. Since 2010, the supermarket has implemented energy efficiency measures such as refrigeration and HVAC with an integrated CO2 system, improved insulation and air-tight construction, utilizing daylight through 28 skylights in the ceiling, controlling lightning depending on the amount of daylight. 

In addition, they implemented controlled ventilation with heat recovery as well as geothermal storage and thermally activated concrete, among other practices. By adopting these changes, the supermarket saw a 23 per cent reduction in energy demand compared to other Aldi supermarkets across Germany. 

Packaging Waste – A Common Challenge Among Stores in Kosovo

Findings from the Balkan Green Foundation and Institute for Development Policy (n.d.) state that despite 32 per cent of waste being recyclable and 40 per cent being biodegradable, only five per cent of waste in Kosovo is recycled. This has led to increased illegal landfills in the country, which are estimated to be at 1,189, seven of which have already reached their capacity. 

The data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS) reveals that the average municipal waste collected per inhabitant per year in Kosovo was 273 kg, with a daily average of 0.75 kg per inhabitant. In the capital city of Prishtina and its region, the daily waste collection per inhabitant was slightly higher at 0.84 kg, while in other regions of Kosovo, it was 0.71 kg per inhabitant.

It is evident how important it is for companies to urgently work on addressing packing waste, which can be done by introducing biodegradable materials, reusing packing, using minimalist packaging, or using recyclable materials. 

In October, the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning in Kosovo introduced the incentive of a €0.05 fee for plastic bags in an effort to reduce plastic use among consumers. In addition, one-time-use plastic bags were banned. 

A spokesperson from Meridian SHPK says that the measure was efficiently implemented and widely embraced by the customers, but cashiers at different supermarkets across Prishtina say they have witnessed a lot of customers being unhappy about the measure. 

However, they confirm that consumers are increasingly bringing their own bags or reusing previously bought plastic bags during their shopping, which indicates a positive outcome of the measure in educating consumers.

As for packaging waste, Meridian’s spokesperson said that the business is interested in improving its practises, but there is an absence of certified suppliers, which has delayed the implementation of more sustainable packaging alternatives. 

Dida from CAA says that this measure is one of many sustainability practices that can help mitigate plastic waste in supermarkets in the country. 

“The recent measures taken by the Ministry of Environment to prohibit the use of certain types of bags and the imposition of a 5-cent fee are steps that can help reduce plastic usage and encourage consumers to make more sustainable choices. These measures can be a positive advancement towards environmental protection, but it is crucial that they are accompanied by education and support for consumers to understand and implement them on a daily basis,” Dida pointed out. 

He also notes that policies and regulations that promote sustainable practices in supermarkets, such as barring single-use plastic bags and encouraging consumers for more eco-friendly choices, can be very helpful. 

According to Dida, the incentive for sustainability practices and supporting sustainability innovation can further help in reaching these goals, which can also be cost-effective. He also highlights that the cooperation between environmental organisations and supermarkets can bring positive outcomes and be a catalyst for innovation in the field. 

Transportation & How Much Choosing Local Farmers Impacts Environmentally

Transportation in the grocery supply chain contributes to environmental issues through greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and resource consumption. The reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles, especially for long-distance transportation, has significant implications for climate change and air quality. Understanding and mitigating these impacts is crucial for creating a more sustainable grocery supply chain.

Some of the incentives that businesses in the industry can improve are local sourcing, which cuts transportation costs and environmental impact, as it reduces the distance goods need to travel. This can be done by supermarkets establishing partnerships with local farmers, producers and suppliers, which also helps the economy. 

Meridian SHPK representative says that their company is one of the first ones in Kosovo to have supported local farmers, starting out with promoting women farmers in Krusha and also supplying seasonally from local farmers in produce such as fruit, vegetables, dairy, and poultry. 

However, the spokesperson says that their sustainability practices are applied more to logistical aspects. 

“We have been working on practising more sustainability as a company for a few years now. There are areas of improvement, but we always try to cut out plastic and paper use by digitalizing documents and communications whenever possible,” she said. 

 Another alternative that can help in reducing gas emissions caused by goods transportation is using biofuels and hydrogen as well as investing in electric vehicles. These can be ideal but also costly. 

A Call for Holistic Sustainability

In conclusion, the environmental impact of supermarkets is a multifaceted challenge that requires urgent attention and comprehensive solutions. 

With growing consumerism, businesses in Kosovo should also adopt a joint approach for incorporating more sustainable practices and reducing energy consumption by either upgrading their systems or using more sustainable sources.

Addressing packaging waste, exemplified by Kosovo’s plastic bag fee, signifies a step in the right direction, even as challenges in sourcing sustainable packaging persist. This is another area of improvement where these service providers can start on and find practices that reduce one-time plastic use. 

In addition, another practice that could contribute to the mitigation of gas emissions is using biofuels or electric cars for the transportation of goods. However, that can be cost-ineffective, so businesses are encouraged to cooperate with local farmers instead. In this way, they support local producers, offer fresher goods, and help reduce the transportation of produce, which is expensive and harmful to the environment. 

Lastly, collaborative efforts between supermarkets, environmental organizations, and regulatory bodies can foster innovation and drive positive change, emphasizing the interconnectedness of sustainability, corporate responsibility, and consumer education in the pursuit of a greener future.