Energy management

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Modernization and Energy Savings in Our Stores

Through a forward-looking store concept, Ernsting's family has been making an important contribution to increasing energy efficiency and to climate protection since 2007. We continuously make significant efforts to reduce energy consumption in our stores. To this end, the technical systems in our stores in Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands are standardized, controlled via a web-based system, and centrally monitored. Through the use of modern lighting technology and an innovative heat pump system for heating and cooling, energy consumption is significantly reduced compared to conventional store concepts. In addition, the direct on-site operation of these heat pumps completely avoids the use of fossil fuels. This energy concept was awarded the EHI Energy Management Award in 2014. It is applied to every construction project, meaning that nearly 100% of our entire store portfolio is now aligned with these modern energy standards.

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USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Ernsting’s family uses nearly 100% renewable electricity. The electricity supply for our stores within our sphere of influence, as well as our corporate locations, has been completely converted—from lighting to air conditioning, our energy needs are met with virtually zero emissions. In the 2024/25 fiscal year, this measure saved approximately 16,500 metric tons of CO2 in Germany compared to a conventional electricity supply.

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production of electricity from renewable energy sources

Ernsting’s family not only draws electricity from renewable energy sources but also generates its own solar power. At our Coesfeld-Lette location, we operate photovoltaic systems (PV systems) and thus generate environmentally friendly electricity, approximately 100% of which we use ourselves. In 2024, our two PV systems generated approximately 173,000 kWh of energy. This is enough to fully cover the annual electricity needs of about 49 average households (4 people each), which corresponds to CO2 savings of approximately 75 metric tons (assumed household consumption: 3,500 kWh/year; 0.434 kg CO2/kWh, Federal Environment Agency figure for 2024). We are continuing to expand the installation of photovoltaic systems and on-site power generation systems at our company locations. For us, it goes without saying that we always consider installing a PV system as a potential measure in new construction projects. In fiscal year 2024/25, two PV systems with capacities of 222 kWp and 487 kWp were commissioned at the Coesfeld-Lette site. At the Schwarzenbek site, a PV system with a capacity of 99.9 kWp was installed in the summer of 2025. In addition, another PV system with a capacity of 293 kWp was installed on our new parking garage at the Coesfeld-Lette site in the spring of 2026.