IBERSOL Sustainability Report 2018

ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE > Cooling systems The Group’s fittings comprise cupboards, counters and fridges. The energy efficiency of these cooling systems implies reducing the ener- gy consumed, without compromising the quality of the stored prod- ucts. To minimise the thermal load, whenever possible, products are introduced at a temperature very similar to the storage temperature. As such, cooling needs are lower. The air temperature varies drastically with the use of such equipment and shows a poor indication of the real temperature of the food. To avoid wide variations in temperature, when opening and closing the door of the cooling equipment, eCube equipment was installed. This type of equipment has gel food simulator inside and it is coupled to the temperature control sensors of the fridges and freezers, which remain in contact with the gel. As such, it supplies the temperature of the gel (which is the simulated temperature of the food) to the control systems, activating the evaporators and cooling compressors. The cooling/freezing chambers’ cycles are therefore significantly re- duced (on average by 66%). Correctly reading the temperature of the food reduces the need for the compressors to start up, thereby giving rise to a reduction in electricity consumption, which varies between 10% and 30%. Analysis of Consumption > Electricity Points of consumption vary annually, due to store openings and clo- sures, equipment changes or the number of units where such informa- tion can be collected. In 2018, despite the increase in turnover, by applying energy efficiency measures in the Ibersol group’s stores we were able to record a 1% re- duction in electricity consumption compared to 2017, when applying the rule of proportionality. 50