“More sustainable products belong in more sustainable stores.” With this commitment in mind, REWE Group set about the task in 2008 to develop a new generation of supermarkets that would bring sustainability to life for customers and employees as well as foster sustainable progress.
The result of this work is the Green Building concept of REWE Group that combines modern architecture with energy-efficient technologies and the use of renewable energies. Introduction of the model concept in 2012 made it possible, for example, to cut primary energy consumption by up to 40 per cent compared with conventional markets. By successfully introducing the Green Building concept, REWE Group has made the environmental and business case for building and operating more sustainable retail properties. Because REWE generally leases its stores, the support of investors and landlords for more sustainable building concepts must be gained. Criteria such as economic value, a possible change of use and commercial development costs are key arguments for this proven construction concept. Evidence of customers’ positive responses to this concept can be seen in above-average customer frequency and the related rise in revenue. REWE Group informs customers about its Green Building strategy in fliers in weekly advertising, in special brochures and as part of annual Sustainability Weeks in stores.
The concept includes the following elements, which are applied in accordance with business locations’ needs:
Since 2012, REWE’s Green Building concept has received multiple certification at the “Gold”* level by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). In 2014, toom Baumarkt DIY stores received multiple certification for their Green Buildings. The PENNY sales line achieved multiple certification in 2016. The seal of quality evaluates a wide range of building features. These include environmental aspects, the stages of the construction process and sociocultural factors regarding well-being, including visual comfort, ambient air, bicycle parking places and customer restrooms. The multiple certification of the building specifications significantly simplifies the certification process because the entire concept has already been subjected to a thorough examination. This is a key pre-condition for the fast, cost-efficient development of Green Building stores.
* Corresponds to the current classification following a change in the criteria by the Building Council in 2015.
REWE | PENNY | toom Baumarkt DIY stores | |
---|---|---|---|
In progress | 139 | 21 | 2 |
Completed | 106 | 7 | 12 |
Total | 245 | 28 | 14 |