The cost of energy currently only goes in one direction: steeply upwards. The opportunities to make savings through favourable purchasing in procurement are limited. All the more reason to focus on energy consumption. A lot of electricity can be saved with modern lighting - at a manageable cost. Two professionals explain why switching to LEDs is worthwhile in and on the market.
Experienced retailers know this: The right lighting is hugely important for sales success. It is not without reason that goods are literally put in the right light. "Put a lamp on and a little patience" is how a successful REWE retailer summarised the importance of store lighting years ago - albeit in a very exaggerated way. Of course, he realised that it wasn't quite that simple. The requirements for store and refrigeration lighting are varied and high. The luminaires need to last a long time, be low-consumption and low-maintenance. These are all requirements that LED technology has been fulfilling for some years now.
Bright, friendly and yet atmospheric: the interior of the REWE store on Bilker Allee
Exchange pays off
"LED lighting was defined as the standard in 2016. Nevertheless, the old T5 and T8 lights are still installed in many existing stores," explains Jan Gottmann, Technical Buyer at REWE Group. "Together with the manufacturers and the sales department, we have developed a concept to optimise the lighting in the stores," adds Jaouad El Bali, Project Manager Central Energy Management at REWE.
The individual product groups place different demands on the lighting, particularly with regard to colour temperatures
Up to 50 per cent less electricity
This concept envisages that all new buildings will be equipped with LEDs, both in the store and in the adjoining rooms and car park. Existing stores will be fitted with standardised LED lighting as part of refurbishments. "Depending on the previous equipment, electricity consumption can be reduced by 30 to 50 per cent," says Jaouad El Bali.
However, investments also have to be made in lighting before the savings can be realised. The latest LED technology is more expensive than tube, halogen or incandescent lamps. But it is an investment that quickly pays for itself. Another good thing is that the T5 and T8 lights can be converted to economical LEDs without interrupting business operations. REWE has concluded agreements with its contract suppliers to convert to LED lighting in refrigerated cabinets and has concluded a seven-year full service agreement.
And Gottmann knows another reason for a prompt conversion: "The previous fluorescent tubes will be taken off the market in the next two to four years. According to an eco-design directive, the use of T8 fluorescent tubes will no longer be possible from September 2023."
For measures that help to reduce energy consumption and improve operational safety, store managers and REWE retailers can get in touch with their contacts in the regional building departments.
