furniture stores well prepared for climate targets

CANZLER develops energy concepts for several locations of a large furniture store chain. Feasibility studies provide the decision-making basis for converting the existing buildings to the most efficient, C02-free energy supply possible with regard to the targets. For example, modern heat pump technology is replacing an old gas boiler system in one property.

"These projects provide valuable insights into how other retail properties, such as larger retail parks or shopping centers, can be converted to an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly supply," explains Michael Körfer, the responsible project manager at CANZLER.

Feasibility study as a basis for decision-making

In order to develop a viable energy concept, CANZLER carries out an on-site survey. Engineers look at future energy requirements and site-specific conditions. Is the property suitable for geothermal energy? Is the building located in a water protection area? What noise limits must be observed (taking into account neighboring buildings/residential areas)? "Interfering with the distribution and transmission systems within the building - especially in the case of older properties - involves a great deal of effort and massive restrictions during the construction period. That's why we focus on the dependencies and effects of implementation," explains Körfer. As the work is usually carried out during ongoing operations, care is taken to intervene as little as possible inside the building. All aspects and dependencies are included in the feasibility study in order to be able to assess different variants for their feasibility, efficiency, time and costs. CANZLER uses a simple traffic light system for this purpose: the customer can immediately recognize the solution approach that is reliable in terms of costs and benefits based on the color green. While yellow is recommended with restrictions, red is a "no-go".

A furniture store receives large heat pumps

An energy concept based on heat pumps has emerged as a viable solution for a retail property from the project brief. These are to replace a gas boiler system. The site comprises just under 20,000 square meters of retail space. The user's energy consumption data showed that there were unavoidable power reserves, which were taken into account in the planning. The required heat output is generated by five outdoor air heat pumps on the parking decks. Two booster heat pumps raise the temperature level to the required flow temperature of 70°C if required. "The heat pumps are pre-equipped for reversible operation in order to also cover the cooling requirement," says Körfer. The existing consumer structure will be retained in order to avoid interfering with the furniture store and thus disrupting sales.

"It is always important to weigh up which measures can be implemented in a way that is acceptable from the customer's point of view. Against the backdrop of the energy transition and rising energy prices, there is increasing pressure to convert existing buildings to a heating/cooling supply using renewable energies. The demand for large heat pumps will therefore increase in future," concludes Körfer.