Lotte Himart has officially begun operations of solar power generation facilities across seven business locations, including stores and logistics centers, as announced on April 10, 2025. This initiative is part of the company's ongoing commitment to sustainable management practices, particularly in enhancing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies.
The solar power generation facilities cover a total area of 1,844 square meters, installed on the rooftops of six stores located in Guri, Seogeo, Yeosu, Suwon, Sangmu, and Gyeongsan, as well as one logistics center in Icheon. With these installations, Lotte Himart expects to produce approximately 561 megawatt hours (MWh) of renewable energy annually, which is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 258 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂-eq) each year. To put this into perspective, this reduction is comparable to the environmental benefits of planting around 39,000 pine trees.
Moon Byeong-cheol, the head of Lotte Himart's Management Support Division, remarked, "The solar power generation facilities will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. We plan to gradually expand solar power facilities within our business locations." This commitment to renewable energy not only aligns with global sustainability goals but also reinforces the company's dedication to fostering a cleaner environment for future generations.
Lotte Himart's efforts extend beyond just solar power generation. The company is actively working to incorporate sustainable practices across its operations, which include expanding the range of energy-efficient products, improving delivery systems, and providing resource recycling services. These initiatives span from the sales phase to logistics and repair services, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to sustainable value creation.
Furthermore, Lotte Himart has achieved recognition for its sustainability efforts, receiving an overall 'A' grade in the ESG evaluations conducted by the Korea ESG Standards Institute for seven consecutive years. This accolade places Lotte Himart alongside Lotte Shopping as the only two companies in the distribution industry to have maintained an 'A' grade or higher during this period.
As Lotte Himart continues to expand its solar power initiatives, the company aims to enhance its commitment to ESG management. The integration of solar energy into its operations is expected to play a crucial role in reducing operational costs while simultaneously contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
In addition to its solar initiatives, Lotte Himart has been involved in various community-focused activities, including donating electronic products to local hospitals and promoting energy-efficient appliances. These actions reflect the company's broader strategy to engage with and support the communities it serves.
As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Lotte Himart is dedicated to overcoming climate change challenges and striving for sustainable development, ensuring that future generations inherit a cleaner, more sustainable world. The company’s leadership emphasizes the importance of taking actionable steps toward carbon neutrality and environmental stewardship.
With these ambitious plans, Lotte Himart not only positions itself as a leader in the retail industry but also sets a benchmark for other companies to follow in their sustainability journeys. The company's proactive approach to integrating renewable energy solutions is a testament to its commitment to a sustainable future.
As Lotte Himart moves forward, it remains focused on expanding its solar power generation facilities and enhancing its overall ESG management practices. The company is poised to continue making significant contributions to environmental conservation and sustainability, ensuring that it meets the needs of both its customers and the planet.