by Brianna Crandall — June 8, 2016 — South Africa-based distributor and retailer Massmart recently opened its first Makro warehouse club store to use renewable energy, marking its most energy efficient and sustainable as well as largest store to date. Makro says it has been greening its stores since 2010 through sustainable new construction and retrofits.
Situated in Carnival Mall in Brakpan in Ekurhuleni, Makro Carnival features solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on its roof that are expected to produce approximately 1 million kilowatts of electricity per year. Massmart estimates that the PV installation will account for 60-80% of the building’s electricity needs during the day, and 30% of the store’s total annual energy requirement.
Makro Carnival features solar PV panels, daylight harvesting, 100% LED lights, motion sensors, lighting controls, thermal storage systems, and condensate and rainwater harvesting.
Massmart Group Sustainability Manager Alex Haw points out, “The plant has a peak capacity of 572 kW, making it among the largest solar installations located at standalone retail store.” The new store is over 22 000 sq m in size, with 13 500 sq m of trading space.
To further minimize Makro Carnival’s impact on the environment, the store has implemented various other green technologies that will reduce overall water and energy consumption, and ultimately result in cost savings.
“In our new stores our energy efficient interventions are focused around four key areas: lighting, refrigeration, air-conditioning and building envelope management,” explains Walker.
In addition to the PV panels, the building has a daylight harvesting system that reduces the store’s electrical lighting requirements; 100% energy-efficient LED lights throughout the store; motion sensors in the offices and storage rooms that automatically switch lights on and off; lighting controls; thermal storage systems; and condensate and rainwater harvesting.
Makro has also invested in an energy-efficient refrigeration solution with the latest energy-saving features; automated night blinds; high speed doors; and better insulation to reduce heat loss. The refrigeration solution also uses carbon dioxide, which is 100% natural, is considered zero ozone depleting (ODP), and has a global warming potential (GWP) rating of 1.
