AdminDecathlon Malaysia, a renowned sporting goods retailer, is embarking on a groundbreaking sustainability initiative by installing rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) facilities at one of its flagship stores, Decathlon Shah Alam. This move underscores Decathlon’s dedication to combining sports and sustainability to create a positive impact on the environment and society.
Arnaud Sauret, CEO of Decathlon Malaysia, emphasized the company’s strong commitment to sustainability, stating, “Our conviction in the potency of sports to propel our sustainability ambitions is unwavering. By empowering people to embrace sports on their own terms, we champion the cause of cultivating a robust and joyful present and future for generations to come. This entails not only cherishing our invaluable playground but also fostering the creation of a sustainable value for humanity.”
Striving for environmental excellence
Decathlon’s endeavor aligns seamlessly with its overarching environmental goals. The company aims to achieve 100% renewable energy usage in all its stores and warehouses by 2026, in accordance with the RE100 guidelines. Furthermore, Decathlon is resolute in its commitment to achieve a global net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
Atul Gupta, Decathlon Malaysia Expansion Leader, shared insights into the positive impact of this initiative: “With this initiative, we will be cutting the carbon emissions of the Shah Alam store by 38% per annum. Moving forward, all of our new standalone stores will have solar panels on the rooftop.”
A collaborative partnership for sustainable energy
The successful realization of this ambitious initiative is attributed to a strategic partnership formed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Decathlon Malaysia and Solarvest Holdings Berhad (Solarvest), a leading Malaysian-based clean energy expert. Solarvest’s comprehensive approach to clean energy encompasses various aspects of the value chain, from development and financing to engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance of solar PV assets. The company has also embraced an expansive roadmap to explore new sustainable solutions across the clean energy ecosystem, such as energy storage systems, renewable energy certificates, green hydrogen, and green data centers.
Decathlon Malaysia and Solarvest will work closely together to integrate renewable energy solutions into the company’s future standalone stores. The collaboration includes the implementation of a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA) and Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), which are crucial to achieving the goal of sourcing 100% renewable energy by 2026. This partnership marks a significant milestone in Decathlon Malaysia’s transition plan towards a greener future.
Mr. Davis Chong Chun Shiong, Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Solarvest, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are delighted to be entrusted by Decathlon Malaysia as its key sustainability partner in Malaysia, working together to enhance environmental responsibility. Through our solar financing program, Powervest, we are pleased to facilitate Decathlon Malaysia’s seamless transition to clean energy adoption, without the burden of initial capital outlays.”
