Rail, rain and reduced energy: the secrets of a low carbon distribution centre

A new distribution hub is set to help reduce thousands of tonnes of CO2 production for Tesco. The supermarket giant is to take an 840,000 sq ft distribution centre at the ProLogis’ Daventry International Rail Freight Terminal (DIRFT) II site.

The centre has been designed to an EPC ‘A’ grade rating. It has also achieved a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’ as a result of its energy-saving features, which include a rain water harvesting system, sunlight tubes to maximise the use of natural light and  motion sensors to reduce wasted electricity in lighting.

The largest benefits however will come from the site’s rail connections. Three rail reception lines will allow more goods to travel by rail. With the site due to receive up to eight trains a day, it is expected to help cut 100,000 lorry journeys a year, saving approximately 19,600 tonnes of CO2 in the process.

DIRFT II is the second phase of development at the Daventry site. Located close to the M1, it benefits from excellent transport connections in addition to the rail facilities. While more than 2m sq ft of space is still available, a third stage of development is being planned for the site to add another 7.5m sq ft of facilities and a new intermodal terminal, subject to planning.