Energy-saving conversion for 234 shops
Energy-saving conversion is the next step we’re taking to reduce our CO₂ emissions. An investment of € 35 million. But what does that involve?
Low-energy shops
About ten years ago, we decided to build only low-energy shops when we built new ones. But now, we’re also committed to converting our existing shops from before this period into low-energy shops. This is an investment of €35 million. “Energy-saving conversion means that we insulate all the older shops that we own, make them more airtight and revise the technology where necessary”, says Hilde Carens, sustainable building expert. “Upgrading older branches is an important step. This will contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and primary energy consumption.”
234 branches in 12 years
Over a period of 12 years, 234 older shops will be converted into low-energy shops. “By 2029, we will only have low-energy shops. The aim is to convert an average of 20 shops per year. Colruyt shops in Knokke, Marcinelle and Torhout have started the process.”
Comfort for customers and employees
By renovating the shops, we will create an ideal basis for the future. “Upgrading the buildings also makes them suitable for introducing innovative and sustainable technologies. For example, heat pumps can provide hot water, refrigeration systems can operate on propene or propane gas and heating will run on heat recovery from refrigeration. These new technologies use 100% green electricity. This renovation phase opens the door for shops which use no fossil fuels such as fuel oil or natural gas. In the autumn of 2017, the first OKay stores without fossil fuels opened their doors.”
The investment in low-energy shops has an additional benefit besides having a positive influence on the environment. We avoid large temperature fluctuations and ensure a constant supply of fresh air in our shops. This increases comfort for our employees and customers, and will allow them to work and shop more comfortably.
With this initiative, we contribute to the following Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.
