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Tesco Lotus is planning to unveil its first zero-carbon retail outlet in South East Asia this November, reports the Bangkok Post.

The store, which is expected to cost around THB1bn (US$37.5m), is to open in Bang Phra, Chon Buri, Thailand under the Talad Lotus format. 

Features of the new outlet will include a solar farm on the roof to produce energy to offset the carbon emissions generated by the store.

"This is the latest move by Tesco in going green in line with the parent firm in the UK, which plans a cumulative reduction of carbon emissions by 50 per cent by 2020," a company official told the paper. 

As well as installing technology to reduce energy, the company is also negotiating with suppliers to sell more environmentally-friendly products at the store.

To help achieve this goal, Tesco Lotus plans to send its technical team to help farmers who supply produce to develop products that are chemical-free and at lower cost.

"We want to up lift farmers' incomes and standard of living," the official said.