Makro signs agreement with EDP to install 67 thousand LED bulbs
The first stage of the operation comprises 20 stores, where efficient light bulbs are expected to reduce energy consumption by 50%
For Makro, a leader in the self-service wholesale market, sustainability is one of the company operational mainstays. Boasting 74 stores spread across Brazil, the wholesale network has recently signed an agreement with EDP - a company engaged in energy distribution, trading, solutions and supply - to implement a more efficient lighting system, a project that will initially cover 20 Makro stores.
Altogether, 67 thousand LED bulbs will be installed, saving about 4,800 megawatts-hour (MWh) per year. The energy consumption reduction provided by this project is enough to supply over 2,400 households, considering the average consumption in Brazil. With the new system, it is also estimated that CO? emissions will be reduced by more than 40 tonnes/month.
LED technology delivers 50% greater efficiency compared to incandescent light bulbs. On average, lighting accounted for 20% of electricity bills in Makro stores, which should now be reduced to about 10%. A considerable sum, which should amount to some R$2,4 million in savings over a period of one year.
The initial investment to install the new lighting system in the first 20 stores is estimated at R$16 million, with completion scheduled for April 2017. Pursuant to the success fee agreement signed between Makro and EDP, lighting savings in the wholesaler stores will be shared with the energy solutions company, thereby reducing the initial investment. Other Makro stores are expected to receive LED bulbs in future project stages. The 20 stores selected the first stage are located in S‹o Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio Grande do Sul.
"Makro sees sustainability as one of its mainstays, and in recent years the company has been pursuing greater energy and water efficiency by implementing measures to generate savings and reduce pollutant emissions. Makro is taking an important step to consolidate sustainability as a business practice and to contribute to a more sustainable future" - Makro
"The partnership with Makro is part of the strategy to consolidate our energy efficiency portfolio for the corporate market and to implement sustainability in several sectors of the economy. The project is yet another example of how companies can reduce costs and increase their contribution to the environment with low initial investments," says EDP Director for Energy Solutions Aldemir Spohr.
About Makro
A pioneer in the self-service wholesale market, Makro celebrates 44 years of operation in Brazil and aims to be the most efficient supply channel for professional customers, especially food processors and small retailers. Part of the Dutch SHV Group, the wholesaler has 74 stores in Brazil and works with a range of products (either from leading brands or from its own brands, Aro and M&K) specifically created to meet the needs of its target audience. The company also operates 67 restaurants and 34 gas stations.
About EDP
Engaged in electricity generation, trading, services and supply, EDP has been in Brazil for over 20 years and operates in eight states: Amap‡, Cear‡, Esp’rito Santo, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Par‡, S‹o Paulo, and Tocantins. With the distributors" operations in concession areas across the states of Espirito Santo and S‹o Paulo, the company serves more than 3.3 million customers. The company is part of the EDP Group, one of the largest European electricity operators, present in 14 countries.
More information about Makro| FSB Communica‹o (11) 3165-9720
Rafael Faro -rafael.faro@fsb.com.brVictor Peixoto -victor.peixoto@fsb.com.br
