Case Study: Transforming a Department Store’s Energy Efficiency at Scale

Client

A chain of retail department stores, specializing in consumer electronics, set an ambitious goal: become climate neutral by 2040. With energy-intensive department stores stocked with lighting, displays, and electronic devices, the company needed to reduce energy consumption without compromising store operations.

Challenges

A large electronics retailer faced significant energy challenges. With stores full of lighting, heating systems, and electronic displays often left running outside of business hours, energy waste was widespread. At the same time, the company had committed to becoming climate neutral by 2040—requiring a complete rethink of how energy was managed across its growing network.

Solution

Starting in 2011, the retailer launched a long-term energy optimization strategy. Central to this was the implementation of Clarity IQ 360°, a real-time energy monitoring platform used in every store. The company also upgraded infrastructure with LED lighting, CTS climate control units, and solar panels on new buildings. Energy use was limited to business hours, and each store was assigned energy “ambassadors” to champion savings efforts using data from the platform.

Results

Overall, the company now consumes fewer kWh in its department stores than it did in 2012, even though they operate more stores.

The client reduced energy consumption per square meter from 168 to 108 kWh/m² and avoided 42,000 MWh of energy use over ten years—equivalent to the power consumption of thousands of homes. Staff engagement, real-time monitoring, and smart tech upgrades made these department stores some of the most energy-efficient in their home country.

Key Takeaways