Retailers invest in sustainability measures such as natural light for improved environment and reduced energy costs
Many retailers are continuing to improve their sustainability ratings when constructing new stores. They look to achieve green building or BREEAM status through installing low energy, low carbon solutions to make a better environment for staff and customers within the shop. This also enables businesses to reduce energy costs and carbon footprint. The following two examples are no different.
A new Ikea store in Exeter is due to open in early summer 2018. Monodraught are happy to supply 5 N° Sunpipe systems to office areas in the new store. An interview with ITV News highlighted that
“IKEA Exeter will be the firm's most sustainable store so far and will aim to achieve 100% renewable energy. It will use a number of green technologies such as solar panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting and ground source heating.”
A new home improvement store in Edge Lane is now open as part of a major new shopping development in Liverpool. They have installed 6 N° Monodraught Sunpipe systems in their office areas.
In both cases, by installing a natural light solution, energy bills in the area served can be reduced by as much as 75% bringing real economic benefits to retailers as well as contributing towards carbon reduction commitments.
In addition, staff are able to enjoy a brighter more comfortable environment. Natural light has been shown to have health benefits to employees and customers. An article in the Huffington Post recently stated:
“Architects need to be aware of the importance of natural light not only in terms of their potential energy savings but also in terms of affecting occupants’ health.”
Productivity in offices served by natural lighting shows 20% increase in output from office employees along with reduced absences because of sickness. It is considered that natural lighting systems have a marked effect on the reduction of the incidence of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) and provide a stress-free, soothing and far healthier ambience by eliminating the glare and conflict of electric lighting and computer screens.
As the original Sunpipe designers, we are considered the UK pioneers of natural lighting solutions. Sunpipes are designed and manufactured in the UK and come with a 10 year product guarantee. Independent tests from BRE demonstrate the highest sustained reflectance and transmittance compared to competitor solutions. Our Sunpipe tubes are manufactured from PVD coated aluminium meaning they won't deteriorate over time.
We have been working with retailers for many years to bring natural light into a store environment as this has been known to increase dwell times and customer satisfaction. It’s fantastic to see this being extended to back office applications, demonstrating an investment in staff wellbeing and a commitment to sustainable green building.
To find more examples of Sunpipe projects, visit our case study pages.