Aldi UK has announced plans for the “large-scale” roll out of propane (R290) heat pumps for space heating across its entire store network in the U.K. and Ireland, following the positive impact of the technology at its “eco-concept” store in Leamington Spa, England, over the last two years.
In a recent statement about the initiative, the retailer said it aims to have the technology installed in all of its stores by 2030.
Under a multi-year partnership with German heat pump manufacturer Vaillant, Aldi UK will install up to five 12kW (3.4TR) aroTHERM plus units at each of its stores in a plan to boost sustainability performance.
“Any successful move towards a net-zero future requires the decarbonization of heat within commercial sectors, including the retail space,” said Aldi UK.
Since 2023, heat pumps have been the standard heating source for new Aldi UK stores. To date, 226 of the retailer’s more than 1,000 sites have been equipped with Vaillant’s R290 aroTHERM units.
“To be able to extend the renewable technology across Aldi’s entire store network over the next five years is a great way to demonstrate how heat pumps have a significant impact on the retail sector and its journey to net zero,” said Steve Cipriano, Vaillant’s Commercial Director.
“Any successful move towards a net-zero future requires the decarbonization of heat within commercial sectors, including the retail space.”
Aldi UK
The heat pumps are supplemented by waste heat from store chillers under Aldi UK’s “no wasted heat” principle.
The aroTHERM plus units can deliver flow temperatures up to 75°C (167°F) and operate in ambient conditions as low as −25°C (−23°F). According to Vaillant, the heat pumps use 60% less refrigerant than traditional R410A-based technologies and feature a low-GWP refrigerant, contributing to a carbon footprint of just 0.83kg.
“As a low-carbon option, the decision to specify Vaillant’s aroTHERM plus solution was reinforced because of the presence of a natural refrigerant,” explained Richard Conway, National Real Estate Director for Aldi UK. “The fact that the [heat pump] uses R290 means it further underpins our ongoing commitment to drive a carbon neutral agenda, whilst at the same time delivering an operationally efficient heating and cooling solution that stores require.”
Under the new agreement, Vaillant has also committed to a 10-year service and support program, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency.
“The fact that the [heat pump] uses R290 means it further underpins our ongoing commitment to drive a carbon neutral agenda, whilst at the same time delivering an operationally efficient heating and cooling solution that stores require.”
Richard Conway, National Real Estate Director for Aldi UK
Sustainable food retail
Aldi UK and Vaillant have been collaborating since 2016, initially focusing on “renewable energy heating solutions” for the retailer’s headquarters in Warwickshire and seven regional distribution centers.
In 2022, Aldi opened its eco-concept store in Leamington Spa, incorporating sustainable building materials and energy-efficient design elements — including aroTHERM plus heat pumps — that have helped reduce the facility’s lifecycle emissions by up to two-thirds.
“From eco-concept store to everyday reality in a busy retail space, the progressive installation of Vaillant’s aroTHERM plus air-source heat pumps as a proven and sustainable renewable heating and cooling solution is delivering tangible results for Aldi’s large scale store network,” the retailer said.
Beyond space heating, Aldi UK is taking steps to improve overall energy efficiency across its stores. Small high-efficiency electric heaters supply hot water needs, while the retailer continues transitioning from HFC refrigerants to CO2 (R744)-based refrigeration technologies in all new stores and major renovations — a process that began in 2017 and is set for completion by 2030.
To further enhance sustainability, Aldi UK has installed fridge doors across its stores, solar panels on more than 400 locations and exclusively uses 100% renewable electricity.
“Aldi is a forward-thinking supermarket business, and we continue to look at ways to improve efficiencies, whilst being mindful of our important sustainability targets,” said Conway.
