#2 Green Retail: The Next Generation of Stores
For brands it’s no longer enough to just offer sustainable products. Innovative brands take their responsibility one step further and also transform their brick-and-mortar stores into spaces that are sustainably resourced, designed and constructed. As consumers increasingly tend to be more loyal to brands that take action now, it is quite obvious that reducing the physical stores’ carbon footprint should be on the agenda of retailers worldwide.
At LIGANOVA, we’re excited to see that more and more companies turn to using recycled materials and ensure energy efficiency, for example through air conditioning and lighting. Check out our selection of brands that impressively demonstrate that beautiful design and responsible store building can easily go hand in hand.
Ikea
Ikea’s London Greenwich store is one of the most sustainable retail spaces in the UK. Opened in 2019, the building has sustainability built into its DNA, including renewable and super-efficient energy from solar panels, LED lighting and rainwater harvesting. There’s also a geothermal system for heating and cooling, while the gardens support local wildlife.
Timberland
Timberland opened its first ‘purpose-led’ flagship store in London in November 2019. The space features living trees and a full-height living green wall, as well as natural elements throughout. The concrete finish is both biocompatible and environmentally-friendly, while the mannequins are made from a combination of recycled industrial materials. Plus, all lighting is from LEDs.
Ecoalf
Ecoalf’s Berlin store opened in 2017 and is built with 100% recycled materials. The furniture is made from reclaimed chestnut wood which was cut manually to reduce energy consumption to zero. All the displays are crafted from repurposed concrete, timber and brushed metal — which can be reused again and again. The store is powered by renewable energy, illuminated by LED technology and infused with the oxygen and mood-boosting energy of dynamic living green areas.
Lush
For its largest global store, opened in 2019 in Liverpool, Lush has put a huge focus on using sustainable materials such as reclaimed FSC certified timbers, brick, and Cradle to Cradle silver tiles in order to keep the carbon footprint down to a minimum. Staying true to the brand’s high environmental standards, each stage of the construction process for the three-floor store had to be sustainable: from the design choices through to the responsible sourcing, restoring and repurposing of recycled materials to support reducing the brand’s environmental impact.
Stella McCartney
Stella McCartney is the epitome of sustainable fashion and store design. The outposts at her London flagship store, opened in 2018, are lined with recycled card and foam made of waste paper from London offices. The collections are showcased on biodegradable mannequins, made from 72% sugarcane bioplastic, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions. To combat air pollution, a hidden air condition system cleans the air using nanocarbon technology.
Pret A Manger
The British sandwich chain opened a sustainability concept store in London’s Shoreditch, fitted out with 60% recycled ceramic tiles, marine waste table tops, eco paints and recycled aggregate flooring. Timber signs from old stores have been repurposed to create a visually striking feature wall. The heat generated by the fridges is channeled into the over door heater, while the exterior plants are watered with wastewater from the air-conditioning.
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