Reducing stores’ environmental impact
Reducing stores’ environmental impact
Sobeys West
Sobeys West has been advancing their environmental impact reduction efforts by focusing on reducing corporate and franchise operations' electricity and refrigerant leak emissions. Their actions to date include the introduction of an energy management system that automatically reduces power consumption while maintaining predetermined light levels. This system, currently in approximately 120 stores, can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 25%.
The MR 16 lamps traditionally used in the fresh departments have been replaced with brighter, more energy efficient, high-intensity discharge (HID) fixtures in 120 stores. This has reduced related energy demand by approximately 50%. The fixture's long life also reduces replacement and related maintenance costs.
Fluorescent lamps used in the refrigerated display cases are being replaced with light emitting diode (LED) type units. To date, efforts have focused on installations at new and renovated stores, however over the coming year this initiative will be implemented across the existing store network.
To reduce refrigerant leaks, Sobeys West has introduced an enhanced refrigeration system preventative maintenance program and is currently installing upgraded refrigerant leak detection systems. Due to the nature of this initiative (the minimization of refrigerant leaks), it will take time to quantify the leak reduction and its associated cost savings.
The region has also introduced an energy management program in approximately 150 stores that combines refrigeration monitoring and optimization to ensure equipment is operated efficiently. This maximizes refrigeration and energy savings while improving the ability to preserve the quality of perishable products. The program specifies refrigeration system set points and temperatures, calibrates the refrigeration equipment, sets automatic on/off lighting control, and specifies the HVAC's system temperature and dehumidification set points.
This program reduces refrigeration system operating costs, enables verification that equipment is working within allowable limits throughout its life, provides for remote monitoring and, if settings are altered, enables remote system resetting to optimum settings.
Sobeys West Energy Management Program monitors and optimizes refrigeration equipment to ensure it is operated efficiently to maximize energy savings.
