Lidl is leading the way

As part of its sustainability and environment protection strategy, German discount supermarket chain Lidl has recently opened a second store in Constanta, Romania featuring a green roof. This is one year after the opening of the very first store in Romania with a green roof in the country’s capitol Bucharest and more stores with green roofs are coming up. Lidl has received a lot of critical acclaim for its green initiatives, including multiple BREEAM-certificates.

Environmental and economic benefits of green roofs

Green roofs offer considerable advantages on an environmental and economic level. The reason Lidl Romania has chosen for green roofs is because they help reduce the greenhouse effect in cities. The vegetation of the green roof filters particulate matter from the air and converts CO2 into oxygen, as well as lowering the ambient temperature. Through its natural cooling in summer and heating in winter they also contribute to the energy efficiency of the building. Another benefit of green roofs is that they improve stormwater management by delaying runoff, thereby reducing flooding and erosion. Next to Romania, Lidl has opened stores with green roofs all over Europe.

Taking responsibility to create a better future

Lidl operates over 10,000 stores across Europe and expanded to the United States in 2017. Lidl’s motto and strategy for long-term improvement is 'A Better Tomorrow'. In this regard, they hold to a high standard and aim to provide transparency around their sustainability initiatives. Lidl Romania works with a CSR strategy (Corporate Social Responsibility) which is based on five main pillars: the environment, products, society, employees and business partners. The implementation of green roofs fits in perfectly with this strategy, and is visible proof that Lidl is taking responsibility to create a better future.

With its sustainability and environment protection strategy Lidl is leading the way for other supermarkets worldwide.

Art impression of Lidl store in Bucharest with a green roof
 

Lidl with green roof in Constanta, Romania