For Food Retailers, LEDs Light the Way to Energy Savings, Higher Sales

September 16, 2009

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

A significant increase in utility rebates, a steady rise in electricity costs and the Obama administration’s funding earmarked for energy-efficiency projects makes it the best time for food retailers to upgrade to LED lighting in the U.S., according to a white paper from Nualight Ltd.

At least one retailer is ahead of the game on LED adoption. Star Market, which is owned by Supervalu, will open its first all-LED store Oct. 30, reports Supermarket News. Supervalu claims the store, which is in Chestnut Hill, Mass., will be the first U.S. supermarket location to exclusively feature LED lighting throughout the store and parking lot.

The white paper, Lighting the Way to Greener Retailing, indicates that retailers that don’t upgrade to LED lighting are wasting hundreds of dollars per day in energy and related costs. It also finds that LED lighting can lead to increased sales with brighter, more vibrant displays.

According to the paper, more than 35 percent of energy use at food retailers is consumed by refrigeration, including display cases, freezers, coolers, and beverage dispensers. Fluorescent lighting contributes about a 25 to 50 percent increase in total power consumed in these applications, while studies show LED lighting in refrigerated glass door displays can cut energy consumption by up to 60 percent, according to the report.

The research also shows that food retailers can reduce the cost of LED lighting installations and retrofits 30 to 50 percent by partnering with a local utility-sponsored rebate program. These rebates are typically prescriptive, where utilities reward retailers financially after product installation, or customized, where each customer and payment is determined by kilowatts saved.

The report also indicates that food retailers that maintain energy-efficient commercial buildings and meet certification requirements can be eligible for corporate exemptions of $0.30 to $1.80 per square foot.

Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Enhance Sustainability. Improve Profitability.

Learn how at the SAP Sustainability Resource Center. >>

Unclear about the EPA's new GHG Rule?

Learn how it could affect your business. >>

EPA mandatory emissions reporting starts Jan 1st

CSA Standards can help your organization get ready for compliance. Find out how. >>

Best Practices: Product Environmental Compliance

How to achieve compliance at a significantly lower cost. Download the full report. >>

Join the Discussion

Reader Comments

Actually a grocery store has already been completely outfitted with LED lights from Clean Light Green Light.
Marvel Food and Deli in Auburn Washington installed LED throughout the interior and exterior and you can see the photos at http://www.Cleanlightgreenlight.com

Tom Meyer | September 21st, 2009

Recent Daily News [ see all ]

11/20/2009
11/19/2009
11/18/2009

Charts [ see all ]

European Paper Industry Cuts CO2 Emissions by 42% since 1990

S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks

Nike Tops Annual Climate Action Scores

Oceans May Trap more Carbon than Forests

Jobs

View All Jobs >> Post a Job >>

Comments and Discussions

Trade Association on Trade Group on EPA Chemical Regs: ‘If Everything is a Priority, Then Nothing is a Priority’
"Seriously… that..."

Gary Markowitz on Supermarkets Tackle Emissions Reductions, Fuel Efficiency
"Supermarkets waste over 10 percent of their energy through improper..."

peter in ireland on Ontario May Follow California’s Lead on TV Energy Efficiency
"Governor Schwarzenegger is shooting himself in the foot! 1...."

Environmental Leader on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"The survey respondents (the PDF report mentions 4,000 respondents in 38..."

Jake on UPS Trying New Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks
"A point of clarification: the Reuters press release referenced herein reports that 20 UPS will purchase..."

Custom Organic Shirts on S. America Takes Most Urgent View of Copenhagen Talks
"90% of North Americans believe it is urgent to get a global climate..."

peter dublin on California City’s Green Building Ordinance Applies to Commercial Buildings
"Why energy efficiebnt regulation on buildings –..."

Environmental Leader