Bright Ideas In-Store Save Energy For Supermarkets

Bright Ideas In-Store Save Energy For Supermarket Chain!

Shopping at Woolworths, Big Fresh and Price Chopper supermarkets may seem a little more dull from today.

That's because the national supermarket chain has turned off 20,000 lights throughout its 85-store network and support offices.

All that customers will notice, the company says, is a little less light in-store.

Woolworths (NZ) Ltd already runs a comprehensive energy conservation regime according to property services manager Bill van Tilburg. But, at the very least, he still expects to achieve an additional 10 per cent savings.

As well as turning off one in every 10 of its lights, Woolworths has reduced the temperature of its store air conditioning from 22 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees.

"Some team members may have to put on a light jersey or cardigan but we expect customers will not notice any difference, especially as it's a lot colder outside during winter," Mr van Tilburg said.

Other initiatives by Woolworths (NZ) Ltd include reminder notices for staff attached to light switches and to their computers as well as communication with staff by e-mail and through their store team leaders.

Mr van Tilburg says with computer monitors consuming about $50 worth of electricity annually, it makes sense to turn them off at night.

"We've got about 1,000 computers in our business so if the monitors are switched off for 16 hours a day we can expect to make substantial savings there."

He says with its latest conservation measures Woolworths (NZ) Ltd expects to save an additional 221,000 kWh of electric power every week - enough to power more than 1,000 average-size New Zealand households for seven days during winter.

Mr van Tilburg has been visiting Woolworths (NZ) Ltd supermarkets yesterday and today to ensure both staff and customers are happy with the measures.

"Frankly I've had nothing but positive comment from our customers who seem pleased Woolworths is doing its bit."

ends

© Scoop Media