Retail chains are working to reduce their energy consumption, even now that it’s getting colder outside, according to a tour of NOS. Because gas and electricity are expensive and the government has called on everyone to save where possible. For example, in many cases the thermostat is set at 19 degrees, as recommended by the government.

Intratuin goes one step further: The thermostat in the shops has to be set to a maximum of 16 to 17 degrees. The chain has very great properties. “By lowering the temperature, we also want to contribute to lower energy consumption,” says a spokesman.

Temporarily less exotic plants

In greenhouses with outdoor plants, the headquarters advises not to heat at all, except in the case of frost. “And in our warm greenhouses with indoor plants, we go to around 16 degrees. The employees often already have jackets or body warmers on, so we expect them not to get too cold.”

According to the chain, the lower temperature is also good for the plants. Most come from greenhouses, which the grower has now also lowered the temperature in, so they’re used to that.

“And exotic plants that need a higher temperature are temporarily no longer sold in the winter months,” says Intratuin. “If there are still a few in a store, they go to a smaller enclosed space where it’s a little warmer.”

Topic: Tips from employees

The Hema management gives the branches all sorts of money-saving tips: thermostats set to 19 degrees as standard, heating on later and off earlier, unused cooling units switched off, insulating air curtains on, warehouse doors opened as briefly as possible.

“We encourage our store teams to find and implement tips themselves,” says a spokesman. “A manager can also see online how his measures are working. It’s so stimulating.”

Albert Heijn: Fill cold stores efficiently

Albert Heijn advises branches to keep refrigerator and freezer doors open for as little time as possible. “For example, if a truck arrives with 40 containers for a cold store or freezer, we ask staff to do it as efficiently as possible.” And when stores are closed but staff are still present, the lights are dimmed.

In addition, the supermarket chain is already working on all kinds of sustainability initiatives, which are now being pushed. For example, all branches in the Netherlands and Belgium must be gas-free by next year.

Plus: the system checks consumption

Competitor Plus supermarkets have received general advice from headquarters. “For example: think carefully about keeping doors closed, covering refrigerators and checking for the store if it is possible to turn the heating down a bit.”

At least in the Plus branches, the head office can check how the savings are going. “These branches are connected to an energy management system so that we have a good picture of the consumption and can adjust it if necessary.”

Kruidvat: Busy employee can tolerate 19 degrees

In the Kruidvat stores, the thermostat has been set to a maximum of 19 degrees for several weeks. “Usually the employees in the store are very busy and have good company clothes. In principle, the lower temperature doesn’t make a big difference to them,” says a spokesman.

In addition, the chain closes the automatic store doors whenever possible and the lights go out one hour after the store closes. The lights used to stay on longer.

Pearle: Lights out unless safety is at stake

Pearle’s opticians will remain closed this winter. “We are also checking whether it is possible to switch off the shop window and the shop lighting one hour after the shop closes,” said a spokesman. “It is important here whether the lighting contributes to the safety of the retail environment. We also have to see what is technically possible.”

In addition to its own stores, Pearle also has franchisees. These are entrepreneurs who participate in the Pearle formula but are independent. “We ask our franchisees to adhere to this policy, but ultimately the decision is theirs to make.”

Hans Anders: What does that mean for employees and customers?

Competitor Hans Anders has no franchisor, just his own shops. “They go as much as possible at 19 degrees. This also applies to our headquarters and warehouse,” said a spokesman. “It wasn’t super cold yet, so let’s look at that. We also think that you can dress in it. But we also keep an eye on what it means for employees and customers.”

Action: within the limits of comfort

As a discount formula, Action must keep costs low. “That’s why we always have the greatest possible savings in light and heating in mind as standard.”

These are therefore centrally controlled and switched on and off, so that the savings are optimal according to the chain. “We remember that both employees and customers can be within acceptable comfort limits in our stores.”