Our sector is focusing on increasing awareness for energy efficiency measures inside- and outside its business operations. Employee training in energy savings best practices is as important as consumer engagement in best practices. Companies often pair with social partners to increase awareness.
Efficient logistics are essential to achieve greater sustainability in mobility. ANGED members encourage the use of more sustainable transport for employees and consumers, with charging points for electric vehicles and bicycles parking lots.
APED member companies, both retail and wholesale, have initiatives to contribute to the reduction in energy consumption and to promote energy efficiency. Actions implemented cover good practices (monitoring of energy consumption, training and raising awareness of employees).
In 2017, IKEA Germany opened the “More Sustainable Store” in Kaarst near Düsseldorf, the world’s most sustainable store at that time. The aim of this international pilot project was to harmonize the three sustainability pillars of ecology, economy, and social responsibility in all its facets – from the use of environmentally friendly technologies to local cooperations. In the energy concept for the new store, IKEA relied on a combination of many efficient and resource-saving technologies. The result was a unique store that represented an important step towards a more sustainable future for IKEA. The holistic concept of IKEA Kaarst delivered a lot of tests and proof points as well as learnings for IKEA while developing the “People & Planet Positive” strategy, especially with focus on how to integrate sustainability into expansion projects and operating buildings, as well as how to cooperate with local communities while opening and after opening a store.
Metro has elevated their energy saving measures in various ways. Metro has taken measures to raise awareness throughout the workforce so savings can be achieved on a much more micro-behavioral level, adaptable for each of their respective state regulations.
Companies encourage the use of more sustainable transport for employees and consumers, with charging points for electric vehicles and bicycle parking lots.
Lidl Switzerland trains its employees to reduce energy consumption in day-to-day activities.
HDE member Globetrotter naturally focuses its sustainability activities on its core business and its value chain. In March 2018 Globetrotter started with “A greener choice” – with this, Globetrotter evaluates and labels products from its range with regard to sustainability. The Greener Choice icon aims to make it easy for customers to buy greener products from Globetrotter. Gradually, all products from the range are evaluated with regard to defined sustainability criteria and those that make an extra contribution to people, animals and nature are marked. Examples of this can be that the product was produced using particularly energy-efficient and gentle processes, recycled materials or natural, organic materials were used, or the product supply chain is transparent and traceable.
