In its commitment to use less energy and reduce unnecessary waste, Pick n Pay is refurbishing air conditioning systems with energy-efficient technology while keeping over 60 tonnes of waste from landfill.

During the 2020 renovation of Pick n Pay On Nicol, the retailer discovered the significant environmental benefit of refurbishing Air Handling Units (AHUs) instead of replacing them. To date, 14 stores have had their AHU refurbished, with another 17 in the pipeline. This includes converting masonry plants and refurbishing water-cooled packaged units to air-cooled ones, focusing on the waste hierarchy of reducing and reusing to improve sustainability. Each refurbishment keeps two tonnes of polystyrene - which isn’t recyclable – from landfill, sparking a wider rollout of the strategy.

“Existing equipment, which often relies on technology over 40 years old, was designed and installed using energy-inefficient technology. By using new technology such as computer-aided design and sophisticated computer programs, we can optimise a supermarket’s air-conditioning requirements and reduce the size of equipment required,” says mechanical consultant Nigel Pengelly from VMG Consultants.

This initiative is part of the retailer's broader sustainability strategy focused on enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, with key emphasis on refrigeration, lighting, and air conditioning. Pick n Pay has set a target to be net zero carbon by 2050, and is in the process of setting credible emission reductions targets through the Science Based Targets Initiative.

It also aims to divert 75% of general waste produced at Pick n Pay-owned operations by 2025, and, throughout its business, is looking for opportunities to reduce all waste streams. Pick n Pay Clothing stores repurpose materials during renovations and new store builds – 150 stores are Green Star Level 4 certified, while the flagship Sandton store is Level 5. Almost half of the retailer’s product range is sustainably sourced, and the upcycled, a partnership with Sari for Change to create a range of wrap dresses, sold out within a month. Since 2021, Pick n Pay Clothing has planted more than 5 000 trees at Platbos Nature Reserve for every store opening.

“By focusing on refurbishing rather than replacing it with new materials and resources, Pick n Pay not only cuts costs but also reinforces its role as a leader in sustainable retail practices, paving the way for a greener future,” says Steffen Burrows, Head of Sustainability at Pick n Pay.