The Western Group of SPAR retail outlets contracted NEURA to implement an energy efficiency program in 2015. NEURA implemented their Hierarchy of Energy Management, starting with data analysis to develop accurate baselines for measurement and verification , and implemented smart meters to identify energy drivers.
The implementation of the energy management system resulted in significant energy, cost, and emission reductions across their 15 stores. The program included a range of energy-saving initiatives, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient refrigeration, and improved energy management systems, without deploying any renewable energy systems.
The program yielded a remarkable overall reduction of 23% in energy consumption, costs, and emissions across the stores, resulting in a total avoided cost of over R20,864 million rand over six years. Additionally, the program led to an accumulated emissions reduction of 12,651 tonnes of CO2, which is equivalent to the carbon sequestered by 29,195 hectares of forest in a year.
The Western Group of SPAR retail outlets achieved these impressive results by implementing a range of energy-saving measures and investing in energy-efficient technologies, such as energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration systems. The group also provided training and awareness programs to their staff, encouraging them to adopt energy-efficient behaviours and practices.
The success of the energy efficiency program is noteworthy as it demonstrates that significant energy, cost, and emission reductions can be achieved through energy efficiency and management measures alone. By focusing on energy efficiency and management, the Western Group of SPAR retail outlets achieved significant cost savings, emission reductions, and contributed to carbon sequestration. These results serve as an example for other retailers and businesses to follow, demonstrating that sustainable practices can be both environmentally and financially beneficial.
