Increasing Energy Efficiency

In recent years, chain retailers have increasingly focused on ways to increase energy efficiency and better manage their energy usage. It’s no wonder: A strong energy performance can be a competitive advantage. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, retailers spend nearly $20 billion on energy annually, with the costs accounting for 25% to 40% of ongoing building expenses.

Due to a number of factors, including time, personnel and budget, many retailers have focused their strategies on fixing the basics, concentrating on simple ways to reduce energy usage. Such approaches, while an effective first step, typically have limited impact compared with the compounded energy and cost savings that could be accrued through automation of lighting, HVAC and other building systems, according to industry experts.

“Typically, the payback period for automation technologies deployed is fewer than three years, and sometimes much less, based on the compounded energy and cost savings that can be accrued,” said Pankaj Lal, segment manager, commercial buildings, Schneider Electric North American Operating Division, Palatine, Ill. “But more importantly, the automation executed by these technologies is near-seamless for store owners and personnel, meaning those savings can be accrued with little, if any interference.”

Lai offered the above suggestions as an example of simple things retailers can do to save energy, and how automation can provide a more comprehensive approach.