Lidl opens its first "circular energy" supermarket | Progresiv
Lidl has opened its very first supermarket under the 'Lidl Zero' concept in Woerden, The Netherlands: it is a circular energy shop, which generates its own energy and consumes no more energy than it produces. 
"At first glance the new point of sale in Woerden hardly differs from a standard Lidl, but once you enter the store, the message is clear. 'All the energy consumed in this store is generated by ourselves', announces an inscription in large letters on the wall. Lidl even speaks of a circular energy store, because the energy consumed is reused permanently.
The new store is equipped with 1766 solar panels on the roof and carports and is based on 190 hollow columns. These prevent the building from collapsing into the soft ground, but also serve to store heat and cold, thereby cooling the space in the summer and warming it in the winter. The residual heat of refrigeration products, insulated by double glazed doors, keeps the temperature in the store.
In case there is not enough sun, Lidl buys green energy. The unnecessary energy that is returned to the grid during the day exceeds the amount of energy purchased, explains construction manager Marcel Ganzeboom "So our energy bill is reduced to zero. And it is also valid for the CO2 emission of the energy supply."
The installation of solar panels and LED lighting is not new at Lidl, but a full-fledged circular energy store is a world premiere for the discounter. The knowledge and experience acquired during this project will be exchanged internationally within the group. Lidl Zero was developed in collaboration with the Technische Universiteit Delft: Andy van den Dobbelsteen, professor in 'climate design & sustainability', sees the building as 'the' standard for new supermarkets. (www.retaildetail.be)
