CASE STUDY: Co-op Raising the Bar in Energy Efficiency

CHALLENGE

Gazelle Eco for a Net-Zero Future

In 2012, Co-op took a bold step toward energy efficiency and sustainable refrigeration by becoming one of the first retailers to install sliding doors on their refrigeration cabinets. At the time, doors were seen as a barrier to sales, but Co-op partnered with Epta UK to introduce an innovative cooling solution. Together, they worked to reduce energy consumption, improve store efficiency, and ensure a seamless shopping experience.

APPROACH

Reimagining Refrigeration for Energy Savings

Epta UK worked closely with Co-op to introduce the Gazelle Eco refrigeration cabinets, delivering a high-efficiency cooling solution that aligned with Co-op’s sustainability goals.

• 2012 – Sliding doors were introduced, cutting energy consumption by nearly 50%, reducing usage from 2.488 kW to 1.244 kW per unit annually.
• 2018 – 2020 – Epta developed a new cabinet design for Co-op, improving performance and durability while offering compact footprint models for optimized store layouts.
• 2021 – 2022 – Cabinets were fine-tuned for higher energy efficiency, with optimized evaporating temperatures from -6°C to 0°C, achieving 3% energy savings per degree.
• 2022 – Present – Retrofit and new-build refrigeration doors were standardized across Co-op stores to drive consistency and long-term energy savings.

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

A New Chapter in Sustainable Cooling in Retail

• Shaping Co-op’s refrigeration strategy

  Beyond energy efficiency, Epta UK helped Co-op shift toward a low-carbon, sustainable strategy.

• Bramhope Store: A benchmark in energy-efficient refrigeration

  Co-op’s Bramhope store was the first designed around Gazelle Eco’s ultra-low duties, fully integrating the Six Pillar       Cooling and Heating strategy.

• High-performance, energy-efficient doors

  Epta UK’s self-closing glass doors have delivered up to 60% energy savings while improving product visibility.

• Industry recognition & award-winning partnership

  In 2024, Co-op, Epta, and partners won Environmental Collaboration of the Year and Retail Project of the Year at the RAC Cooling Awards, recognising their progress in sustainable refrigeration.

OUTCOME

Proven Performance: Energy Savings that Matter

• Reducing refrigeration energy consumption by 60%

  Comparing the Gazelle Eco in 2024 to the 2012 sliding door cabinets, Co-op’s refrigeration energy use dropped by up to 60%. This was made possible by EC fans, LED lighting, and an ultra-low duty refrigeration system.

• Designed for shoppers & sustainability

  With double-glazed doors and adaptive LED lighting that brightens as shoppers approach, the cabinets enhance visibility and accessibility while improving energy efficiency.

"Not only do the Epta Gazelle Eco cabinets look superb but the energy savings delivered are a huge step change also enabling other benefits to be realised with smaller plant, reduced capacity heating systems and associated cost benefit."

- Nick Cairns, Construction Contract Manager, Co-op Property

What’s Next? 

Epta and Co-op continue to develop new energy-efficient refrigeration solutions, exploring technologies to push the boundaries of sustainable retail cooling.

Ready to transform your energy strategy?

Get in touch with our team at 

Telephone: 01274703200

Email: info@epta-uk.com