KFC opens first eco-store in Wisbech as Colonel Sanders looks to go green

FAST food chain KFC has opened its first eco-store in Wisbech trialling energy saving initiatives which could be rolled out nationally.

Water conservation, lighting efficiency and the use of recycled sustainable materials have been used to reduce the carbon footprint.

The store is the first step towards KFC's goal of designing greener restaurants. KFC's head of construction Richard Darler said: "This is an important and exciting development for KFC. The Fens are renowned as being a place of natural beauty, so it makes sense to build our first ever eco-store, with sustainable and environmentally friendly initiatives in Wisbech.

"Introducing energy saving initiatives in our restaurants is part of our long-term environmental strategy, and we have already taken steps to cut packaging and recycle used cooking oil. We hope to be able to roll out some of the elements we are trialling here in more new stores in the future."

At Wisbech recycled building materials have been used inside and out, and the benches and screens are made using Forestry Stewardship Council-certified sustainable timber.

Extra insulation has been used and there is a state of the art air conditioning system which recycles hot and cold air. The latest low energy light fittings have been chosen while solar sensors automatically switch of any lights as soon as there is sufficient natural light.

Customer facilities have also become more environmentally friendly with a dual flush option on the toilets and a new water supply monitoring system reducing water usage upon flushing by up to 50 per cent.

Assistant manager Tony Edwards said the new store is doing well and has been hitting targets. He said: "It's great that Wisbech has been chosen to have the first eco-store in the country because it is not often we are first with things.