by Brianna Crandall — November 14, 2014—Scotmid Co-operative unveiled its new “groundbreaking” resource-efficient store in Moredun in Edinburgh, Scotland, in October. The store is touted as one of the first and most innovative major resource efficiency retrofits in the U.K.
Scotmid Moredun was fitted with a range of state-of-the-art technologies to reduce energy consumption. At the heart of the store’s eco innovations is a sophisticated building management system, which uses real-time data to make efficient use of its resources — such as lighting, heating and refrigeration.
The store’s lighting uses special sensors near the windows to automatically adjust to natural light levels outside — switching off when it is sunny and turning on when it is dark to save energy. The lights have also been upgraded from fluorescent to dimmable light-emitting diode (LED) fittings, to reduce energy consumption, and will switch off when certain areas of the store are not in use.
Efficient heating and heat recovery are other key parts of the project. The heat generated by the refrigerators is recovered to help heat the building, while an air curtain blows out ambient air to stop heat from escaping when the store doors open.
All of the store’s refrigerators have doors to improve their energy efficiency, and are programmed to switch off when alcohol is not for sale to conserve energy. Even the store’s automated teller machine (ATM) was fitted with energy-efficient LED lights, notes Zero Waste Scotland.
As well as the new energy-saving measures, Scotmid Moredun will be home to a modernized post office, offering customers access to services seven days a week.
The project received support from Zero Waste Scotland, through its Resource Efficient Scotland initiative; Post Office Limited; and contractors CBES, Climate Electrical Services Ltd, Curve Energy Ltd, KB Refrigeration and Thermal Image UK. CBES reportedly minimized the waste during the construction, and recycled and reclaimed as much as possible to reduce the carbon footprint.
The team behind the pace-setting project hopes that it inspires other stores and buildings, both old and new, to take similar steps. Zero Waste Scotland recommends interested persons contact Resource Efficient Scotland for advice and support on how they can replicate these measures in their own buildings.
