Asda’s former head of energy management has joined Mitie, the FTSE 250 strategic outsourcing and energy services company, to help develop the business’ outreach into the retail sector.

Mark Orpin joins Mitie’s Asset Management business, which develops decentralised energy strategies for the public and private sector, as head of retail. He will be responsible for increasing the use of low carbon on-site local energy generation with major UK retailers.

Mitie has recently developed and now operates Waitrose’s first on-site energy centre at the retailer’s East Cowes store. The energy centre, which supplies most of the store’s heating, electricity and cooling from sustainably sourced local woodchip, will cut the branch’s energy bill by 25 per cent and reduce carbon emissions by 750 tonnes a year.

Mark was responsible for developing Asda’s first low carbon prototype store in Merseyside in 2008. The building achieved a BREEAM "Excellent" award, an "A" grade Energy Performance Certificate and emits 25% less CO2 than the retailer’s standard store model.

He has spent the last four years developing Asda’s energy strategy – during which time the retailer has reduced total energy consumption, despite the estate growing by 30%. A qualified accountant, Mark was at Asda for 12 years and previous to that he spent seven years in oil and gas.

Mark said: “The UK’s retail sector has led the way over the last five years in reducing their own energy usage but faces further challenges ahead. Energy costs continue to rise, the UK’s energy infrastructure is beginning to creak and government legislation towards zero carbon emissions in new buildings make the landscape even more challenging.

“Unlocking the benefits of sustainable and commercially viable on-site energy generation will be a critical part of the solution. I’m looking forward to building on Mitie’s success and ensuring retailers are able to meet the challenges of a 21st century energy landscape.”

-ENDS-

For further information, contact:

Mitie

John Telling, Group Corporate Affairs Director
D: +44 20 3123 8673
M: +44 7979 701006
E: john.telling@mitie.com

Erica Lockhart, Head of Investor Relations and External Affairs
D: +44 20 3123 8675
M: +44 7979 784488
E: erica.lockhart@mitie.com