Retail company Massmart recently installed a 572 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant on the roof of its new Makro Carnival store, in Brakpan, Gauteng.

The store, which was officially launched on April 20, is also the first Makro store to make use of renewable energy to meet its energy requirements, with 2 160 solar PV panels installed on its roof.

“Implementing solar PV at our Makro Carnival store underlines our commitment to reducing our environmental footprint. We have been greening our stores since 2010 to save energy, reduce running costs and improve the in-store environment and customer shopping experience,” says Makro South Africa store developer Alan Walker.

He adds that all new Makro stores will be sustainably developed and that older stores are in the process of being retrofitted with a variety of energy management technologies and systems.

“The PV panels are expected to produce one-million kilowatt-hours of electricity a year and will account for between 60% and 80% of the building’s electricity needs during the day, and 30% of the store’s yearly electricity requirement,” says Massmart sustainability manager Alex Haw.

He adds that, in addition to the PV panels, the building has a daylight harvesting system that reduces the store’s electrical lighting requirements.

“We have also installed light-emitting diode lights throughout the store, as well as motion sensors in the offices and storage rooms that automatically switch lights on and off,” he says.

Haw explains that the store has invested in an energy efficient refrigeration solution, with automated night blinds, high-speed doors and better insulation to reduce heat loss.

The refrigeration plant uses carbon dioxide, which has zero ozone depleting elements and a global warming potential rating of one.

“The refrigeration plant is 20% to 30% more efficient than typical refrigeration plants on the market and allows us to harvest condensate from the refrigeration chillers, which we reuse in the refrigeration process when ambient temperatures outside the store exceed 27 °C,” he notes.

He adds that the store also makes use of rainwater harvesting for flushing and domestic water-use purposes.

Walker points out that the building has an emergency water supply, which will be used in case of water shortages and when water pressure is not sufficient.

The new store has a staff complement of 387, with local residents accounting for 80% of the employees.

“We are a member of the Green Building Council South Africa and want to proceed with applying for a Green Star rating for Makro Carnival,” Walker states.