Odido Retail Network Sets Course for CO₂-Neutral Stores with Smart Sustainability Strategy
Utrecht, maandag, 16 juni 2025.
Telecom provider Odido has developed an ambitious sustainability strategy for its 80 stores, targeting complete CO₂ neutrality by 2028. In collaboration with general contractor Bulsink, an innovative approach is being implemented that goes beyond technical interventions. The strategy emphasises the importance of cooperation between tenant, owner, and contractor, with a modular method that combines customisation and scalability. To date, seventeen stores have been made sustainable, with 27 locations planned for this year. The approach is strategic: lease contracts are being used to initiate sustainability discussions, which has proven to be an effective method for systemic change in retail property.
Strategic Sustainability Approach
Odido’s sustainability strategy distinguishes itself through a holistic approach that goes beyond mere technical interventions. The company focuses on an integrated approach where the moment of lease contract renewal is used as a strategic turning point for sustainability [1]. Koen-Jan Venrooij, sustainability programme manager at Odido, explains that this timing forms a logical ‘hook’ for discussions with property owners about sustainability.
Modular Sustainability Approach
General contractor Bulsink employs a flexible, modular approach that enables customisation without compromising efficiency. Specific measures are identified for each store location, ranging from HR++ glass and roof insulation to optimising climate systems [1]. Harm Kempers, project manager at Bulsink, emphasises that their approach enables stores to be made sustainable within three days without prolonged closures.
Progress and Ambition
Currently, Odido has made 21.25% of its retail network sustainable, with concrete plans for an additional 33.75% of stores this year [1]. The objective is to make all eighty stores CO₂-neutral by 2028, representing an ambitious but focused strategy for sustainable retail property.
Collaboration with Property Owners
The sustainability strategy requires close collaboration with property owners. Debbie Melis, commercial director at Bulsink, notes a growing willingness among owners to invest in sustainability, especially when management is professionally executed [1]. This insight aligns with broader sustainability trends in the retail sector [2][3].