SPAR Austria opens 80th solar power operated store

April 17, 2019 IN THE CATEGORY: Environment, Responsible retailing

SPAR Austria has been investing extensively in sustainable energy supply for its stores and at the end of 2018, it installed a solar power system, also called a photovoltaic or PV system, on the roof of its 80th store – INTERSPAR Imst in Tyrol.

With an annual energy production of 215,000 kWh of electricity, INTERSPAR Imst produces the same amount of power as used by 60 households per year. The PV system fitted to the roof of the INTERSPAR is the largest of all 80 installed so far, which cumulatively generate 4.4 GWh of electricity annually – equal to the energy consumption of 1,200 average-sized households.

Going forwards, SPAR Austria plans to continue to install PV systems on the roof-tops of its stores – increasing its sustainable energy supply across its store network.

Commenting on the installation of the solar power system, Managing Director of INTERSPAR Imst, Hans-Jörg Schuth, said: “Photovoltaics is the most efficient renewable energy source for us as it produces the highest performance during the day, when energy consumption in stores is the highest. We have also introduced other environmentally friendly solutions instore such as energy-saving LED lighting, efficient room ventilation and economical cooling units.

“In terms of our product range, we rely on regional products as much as possible, recognising the fact that local sourcing is good for the environment thanks to the short transport routes.”

Meeting daily customer needs

With a sales area of more than 3,000m2, the INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Imst has a diverse product offering, boasting 140 local products. The instore INTERSPAR restaurant, which can seat 160 people, provides an array of culinary delights for customers to enjoy instore or take-away.

The INTERSPAR is also one of the largest employment providers, offering jobs for 130 people from the local community.

Source: SPAR Austria

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About SPAR Austria

The origins of SPAR in Austria date back to 1954 and the current SPAR AG was created in 1970, when the original founding families joined with other regional wholesalers to form SPAR Austria AG – a 100% privately owned Austrian company.

SPAR Austria’s gross retail sales growth reached 6.7 billion euro in 2017 from 1,566 stores including 757 operated by independent retailers. SPAR Austria is the largest private training organisation for young apprentices in their market.