Adjustment of air exchange flow rates to actual needs using a CO2 sensor
The project aims to install one or more CO2 sensors on the air intake of air handling units (AHUs) in supermarkets and to adjust the flow rate of new air introduced into the shopping centre as needed. This way, the airflow is increased during busy periods and reduced the rest of the time.
Air handling units ensure the air exchange and heating/cooling of the commercial premises. The AHUs operate at a fixed flow rate over time slots programmed according to opening hours.
By installing this technology, which has been available on the market for more than 5 years, the company can achieve significant savings on its electricity bills and reduce its carbon footprint. This measure is relatively simple to implement, has a quick return on investment and does not require production shutdown during the technical installation.
Replacement of linear or vertical chillers and freezers
The project aims to replace old chillers and freezers with new generation refrigeration units that are closed, well insulated, fitted with more efficient fans and LED lighting. Defrosting is optimised and it is possible to increase the temperature regime of the evaporator circuit.
This system applies to supermarkets or grocery stores with chillers and freezers to store food in store. By installing this technology, which has been available on the market for more than 5 years, the company can save on its electricity bills and reduce its carbon footprint. However, implementing this measure can be complex and requires the temporary shutdown of production during the technical installation stage.
Installation of a transcritical CO2 refrigeration system
The project involves replacing an existing conventional, centralised, or direct expansion installation with a refrigeration system using CO2 as a fluid which is transferred in a transcritical or subcritical cycle (cascade or refrigerant) to the units diffusing the cold (refrigerated units, cold room evaporators, etc.) for a positive or negative application, or both.
This system applies to existing commercial buildings, particularly food distribution premises. This includes spaces intended for the display or self-service of fresh products for the public, such as hypermarkets, supermarkets, and small food stores. Drive-through facilities and click and collect points allowing the public to pick up their purchases without actually entering the store (the “drive-through” concept) as well as refrigerated warehouses.
Setting up this new technology will allow the company to save electricity, while reducing its carbon footprint. However, implementing this measure can be complex and requires the temporary shutdown of production during the technical installation stage.
Faced with ever-dwindling water resources, using rainwater represents a responsible a sustainable choice. Rainwater is a sustainable resource that can be harnessed in many ways to reduce drinking water consumption and save money.
Implementing a rainwater harvesting system supports environmental objectives by offering an ecological and responsible alternative to conventional water use
This measure recommends strategies for the rational use of water in corporate facilities.
On average, water consumption per office employee is around:
30 to 40 l/day/employee
4 l/m2 of office space
These parameters are obviously highly dependent on the company’s business line, the facilities in the building and employee behaviour. Optimising water use in a building contributes to improving the environmental, economic, and functional sustainability of buildings.
Conducting a staff awareness campaign for the eco-responsible use of water
Deciding to commit to an eco-responsible water management policy in a company, or strengthening its actions in a sustainable manner in this area, requires the support and engagement of all employees.
Raising awareness is an important step in generating interest and motivating employees. It ensures that everyone understands the objectives and challenges involved, the role they have to play, and how they can contribute to the success of initiatives and the performance of actions implemented by their organisation.
Battery storage – a key lever in optimising your electricity consumption
As part of the decarbonisation process, electricity is playing an increasingly central role in businesses, gradually replacing other energy sources such as fossil fuels. It is therefore becoming increasingly more important for companies not only to control their electricity costs but also to optimise consumption and self-generation in order to maximise their energy potential – for example through the use of a photovoltaic system, and in some cases, in combination with a battery storage system.
Commercial and industrial battery storage systems, with capacities ranging from 30 kWh to several MWh, enable companies to increase the self-consumption of on-site renewable electricity generation and thus reduce energy costs. By reducing power peaks, they allow for improved peak load management and thereby significantly reduce a company’s electricity bill. To fully leverage your battery’s capacity and increase your profits it is equally essential to install an energy management system (EMS).
The following measure outlines in which scenario the installation of a battery storage system is recommended and beneficial – and how its implementation can be planned.
Sustainable and circular procurement is a process of acquiring goods or services which aims to maximise environmental, social and economic benefits throughout the life cycle.
By adopting sustainable and circular procurement practices, businesses contribute to a greener and more resilient economy. This also includes favouring, where possible, suppliers engaged in ecological and ethical practices, which reduces the overall environmental impact. This approach will help reduce acquisition costs in the long term as products last longer and are reused. In addition, it strengthens the company’s image by positioning it as a responsible player committed to protecting the environment and social values. By promoting these ethical and sustainable practices, companies also improve the resilience of their supply chain, making it less vulnerable to disruptions and fluctuations in resources.
Installation or replacement of a centralised refrigerating system
Cold production is used to cool down a room or a component, preserve food products, control the temperature of a process or ensure proper air conditioning.
Installing a centralised refrigeration unit generally offers better efficiency than a decentralised installation, reduces noise and heat disturbance in occupied rooms and frees up space in the cooled area, as the equipment is installed in a dedicated room.
However, this solution requires a higher investment and the involvement of a qualified refrigeration technician. Below are all the necessary steps to prepare for the installation of a centralised refrigeration system.
Effectively manage the temperature within buildings
The ambient temperature in the workplace is essential to ensure that employees feel comfortable and can work in optimal conditions. It should be adjusted according to the activities carried out on site.
Energy consumption for heating can fluctuate depending on the weather and due to air leaks in the building envelope, especially when it’s poorly or not insulated. For more information on ways to improve the building envelope, please refer to the measure Improving the energy efficiency of the building envelope
