Lidl Ireland announces Ireland’s first Net Zero Energy supermarket in Kildare

Lidl Ireland has announced the investment of more than €10m in the construction of Ireland’s first Net Zero Energy supermarket, situated in Maynooth Co. Kildare.

This first-of-its-kind Lidl store is set to make history as it aims to become the first BREEAM-accredited Net Zero Energy supermarket in Ireland, targeting an Outstanding rating, as recognised by the Irish Green Building Council.

This state-of-the-art supermarket will be the first retail space in Ireland to produce all its operational energy from on-site renewable sources, while also fully offsetting the embodied carbon associated with its construction through renewable energy generation.

The store will feature a 575 kWp solar panel system installed on both the roof and within the car park, further cementing Lidl's position as the owner of the largest rooftop solar array in the country.

The building will incorporate concrete made from 50% recycled materials, sustainable glulam timber roof beams and lower embodied carbon roof panels.

Additionally, stone from Lidl’s original Maynooth store has been 100% recycled onsite to further reduce emissions and will be reused as part of the build.

Jobs

Construction of this ground-breaking concept store is currently underway, supporting 150 construction jobs. The transformational new store is scheduled to open to Lidl customers in November 2025.

The opening of this Net Zero Energy store in Maynooth marks a significant milestone in Lidl’s commitment to achieving net-zero by 2050 across its entire supply chain, as part of its ‘A Better Tomorrow’ sustainability strategy.

This means that the retailer will reduce greenhouse gas emissions as close to zero as possible by 2050 and offset unavoidable emissions. Lidl has committed to reducing carbon emissions by 46 per cent on operational emissions by 2030.

It is anticipated that the energy saved by the Net Zero Energy Lidl store in Maynooth is equivalent to the energy used by over 40 typical Irish households each year - demonstrating the tangible impact smart design and innovation can have on our climate.

Carbon savings

The carbon savings are equally compelling, matching the effect of avoiding 1,500 flights from Ireland to Spain annually. It sets a powerful example for the future of retail in Ireland and shows how circular economy and climate ambition can be embedded into everyday business.

Speaking while visiting the site of Lidl’s new Net Zero Energy store, Minister for Climate, Environment and Energy, Darragh O’Brien, TD, commented: "Today’s announcement by Lidl marks another step toward a more sustainable future. I commend the entire team at Lidl for their vision in developing this innovative store, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.”

The Lidl Net Zero Energy store will shine a light on the importance of biodiversity with its very own pollinator-friendly Ecological Community Garden featuring bird boxes, insect log piles and native plants. Visually, the store will be noticeably different with a ‘living wall’ and plant boxes on the roof.

Materials from the deconstruction of the former Lidl store on the site have been donated to the wider community. Four local primary schools received bird boxes and insect hotels crafted from timber salvaged from the old roof, while local community association ACRE Project repurposed soil for flower planting and used reclaimed fencing to build chicken coops.

The store will provide shoppers with the option to reduce the carbon impact of their weekly shop by offering 6 customer electric vehicle charging points that run off renewable electricity, reducing the impact of customer commutes. 12 Ebike and e-scooter chargers will also be available for customer use as well as enhanced cycle parking.

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