The grocery giant claims the change is part of a trial to reduce carbon emissions, but insists it will have no affect on food safety.
It stated that the existing industry norm of keeping freezers at -18C was established about 100 years ago and has not been revised since, despite advances in refrigeration technology.
Freezers at ten stores around the country have been modified to reflect the weather and supply routes, with plans to expand the temperature change to other locations.
According to the supermarket, a 3°C increase in freezer temperatures throughout the supply chain will “transform” the business by lowering carbon emissions, conserving energy, and lowering prices.
It cited research that showed global adoption of the move had the potential to save 8.6% of the UK’s energy usage and reduce carbon emissions by getting 3.8 million automobiles off the roads.
It stated that the carbon reductions would be a significant step toward its goal of achieving net zero emissions from its own operations by 2035, while the accompanying long-term cost savings would allow it to cut, hold, or promote prices across its 500 supermarkets and 1,600 convenience outlets in the UK.
