Marks & Spencer on Northumberland Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, has been unveiled as one of the most eco-friendly and visually impressive stores in the north east, with the most striking development being a 167 square metre green wall on the side of the building.
The creation of the green wall, which is irrigated by rainwater and has been made using nearly 16,000 individual plants, features alongside a number of other eco-friendly changes in-store. Intelligent door sensors, LED fridge lighting and a new heat reclaim system will all help to improve M&S Newcastle’s energy efficiency by 20% whilst enhancing the customer experience.
Mike Barry, Director of Plan A, M&S’s eco and ethical programme to become the world’s most sustainable retailer, said: “M&S Newcastle is one of our most important stores so the finished green wall and store’s eco energy refit is hugely exciting for everyone at M&S. We hope the completion of this project will boost Northumberland Street, and provide our customers with an improved shopping experience. The green wall is a real standout, and with summer just around the corner we hope it will continue to flourish”
Tom Warburton, Director of Investment and Development commented: “We are delighted that Marks and Spencer have invested in a number of sustainability features in their flagship store on Northumberland Street, and the living wall helps to visually demonstrate their green credentials.”
