Energy Efficient Fitting of Refrigerator Units

In addition to lighting the other main consumer of electrical energy in commercial trading is refrigeration. Consequently, REWE Group's efforts are focused on optimising energy efficiency management primarily in this area. The Group has introduced numerous measures which considerably reduce energy requirements.

Fitting glass doors on refrigerated shelves enables a 20 to 40 per cent saving on electricity. The glass doors on the refrigeration units prevent cold air seeping out. This accounts for up to 60,000 kWh, or in terms of annual CO₂ emissions, 29 tons for each store. Consequently REWE is fitting glass doors on all self-service fresh meat shelves by the end of 2009.

New compound refrigeration systems cut annual electricity requirements by 25,000 kWh or the equivalent of 12 tons of CO₂ in each store. Also, since the beginning of 2007 only ready-to-use refrigeration units equipped with variable speed compressors have been fitted. Improved refrigeration systems and refrigerator units already save 35 per cent of refrigeration energy in more than 300 Austrian branch stores.

Night blinds for refrigerated shelves and energy-optimised lighting on ceilings are standard in all stores.