Kingspan’s insulated panel and PV products have helped to create a new, energy-efficient Lidl store in the community of Nenagh in Ireland, meeting over a quarter of its energy requirements and saving over 40 tonnes of carbon every year.
Built to replace the area’s existing Lidl store which opened 17 years ago, the new supermarket has been designed to provide customers with the best shopping experience possible with a modern, glass-fronted aesthetic and spacious internal layout. To reduce the facility’s energy demand and carbon emissions, 555 Kingspan Rooftop Solar PV panels, with a forecast generation of approximately 120,000 kWhr, have been installed on the development. The panels produce zero CO2 emissions and can reportedly generate energy even in low light, overcast conditions.
The solar array was installed over a highly-insulated roof formed from Kingspan RW Trapezoidal Roof Panels. These through-fix roof panels can deliver U-values as low as 0.18W/m2.K and are suitable for building applications with roof pitches of 4° or more after deflection. Together, the system carries a 25-year combined PV and insulated roof panel warranty, guaranteeing that the system performs as necessary well into the future. These technologies have also helped the new facility to comply with the independently-audited, best-practice international energy efficiency standard, IS0 50001.
Miroslav Kokot, store manager at Lidl Nenagh explained the importance of the project: “Lidl is committed to ensuring our business is operated in a way that is as sustainable as possible. We were very clear in rebuilding the Nenagh store that the replacement would integrate the latest sustainability innovations that will generate ongoing energy savings. The Kingspan Rooftop Solar PV Panels will make a big impact in increasing our energy from sustainable resources by generating 28% of our Nenagh store’s energy needs annually. We also recognise the importance of increasing our customers’ awareness of environmental sustainability. To this end, a display screen situated at the entrance of the store will inform our visiting customers of how much energy has been generated by the solar panels and the amount of CO2 emissions saved.”
Marci Bonham, managing director of Kingspan Ireland reflected on the project: “Lidl’s forward-thinking approach to energy management and decarbonisation means we are able to fully explore the possible building fabric and PV options to consequently ensure we are delivering the most effective solution for that particular store. As a company driven by the importance of energy efficiency, we are thrilled to work alongside Lidl on this important project and we can’t wait to see the ongoing results.”
The investment in Nenagh is part of an ongoing €1 million commitment by Lidl Ireland to install solar panels at eight new and reconstructed stores which are due to open by the end of 2019.
