Collins’ SuperValu Carrigaline, has been named the top SuperValu store in Ireland for sustainability, clinching the prestigious Best Community and Sustainability Category Award for 2025. The award was presented at the SuperValu National Conference, which took place at the Great Southern Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry, where Collins’ SuperValu outshone stiff competition from other finalists.
This accolade highlights the store’s exceptional commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. One of the key factors contributing to the win was the store’s groundbreaking installation of a 311kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which includes over 728 solar panels across the store and car park canopy. This innovative system generates 287,706 kWh of electricity annually, enough to power 69 homes and significantly supports the store’s sustainability objectives.
In addition to the solar initiative, Collins’ SuperValu Carrigaline has seen tremendous success with the Deposit Return Scheme, collecting 1.25 million containers in its first year of operation. This achievement represents a remarkable 120% recycling rate for containers sold to date, all while maintaining its commitment to providing top-notch customer service and positively impacting the local community.
SuperValu stores across the nation were thoroughly assessed and evaluated by Paul Ellison, an independent judge and retail consultant. During the evaluation, Ellison praised Collins’ SuperValu Carrigaline for its strong customer relationships and deep integration with the local community. The store has been actively involved in local biodiversity initiatives, sponsoring environmental programs, and reinvesting in solar and energy-efficient technologies, underscoring its genuine commitment to both sustainability and community welfare.
A notable highlight of Collins’ SuperValu Carrigaline’s community-focused sustainability efforts is its ongoing collaboration with the local TidyTowns committee. Store owner David Collins is personally involved in these efforts, ensuring that the store’s initiatives align with the community’s environmental and sustainability goals.
In 2024, Collins’ SuperValu Carrigaline was also recognized for its sustainability achievements, winning Ireland’s Best Sustainability Initiative at the National Grocery Retail Awards. This award acknowledged the store’s continuous drive to adopt eco-friendly practices such as sourcing local products, implementing energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration, and utilizing sustainable packaging.
Upon receiving the award, David Collins reflected on the recognition: “This award is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our entire team, who consistently uphold the highest standards of excellence. At Collins’ SuperValu Carrigaline, we believe that sustainability starts with local action. Our team has been passionate about this mission for over 165 years, and we strive to set the standard in sustainable retailing by investing in energy-efficient technologies and supporting community-driven projects.”
Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, congratulated the store on its outstanding achievement: “This year’s competition was fierce across all categories, underscoring the exceptional standards set by stores within the SuperValu network. Collins’ SuperValu Carrigaline stood out as the inaugural winner of the Best Community and Sustainability Category Award, a well-deserved recognition of its dedication to both its community and the environment. This achievement reflects the high standards we aim to uphold across the industry, and I wish them continued success in the future.”
The award was presented to the Collins’ SuperValu Carrigaline team by Luke Hanlon, Managing Director of SuperValu, and Dan Curtin, Sales Director of SuperValu, further cementing the store’s place as a leader in community-driven sustainability.
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