New World showcases top environmental practices

March 26 2007

New Nelson City New World showcases top environmental practices

A new era in supermarket shopping begins this week when purpose-built, energy-efficient Nelson City New World opens for business.

The 3400 square metre store on the corner of Vanguard and Gloucester Streets is a huge improvement on the old shop, which has occupied the site in Montgomery Square for many years.

Tasman MP Nick Smith will cut the ribbon at an opening ceremony at 8.30am tomorrow. This will signal the start of an opening week of hourly specials and exclusive offers to help shoppers enjoy the change to their new location. Children’s activities will include an Easter egg hunt and a chance to meet the Bluebird penguin.

Steve Anderson, chief executive of Foodstuffs South Island, said that the opening of the store reflected his company’s commitment to the local community. “We are certain that this superb facility will meet the changing needs of shoppers and offer them top quality service combined with an extensive range of products.”

In line with Foodstuffs’ commitment to environmentally sustainable business practices, energy efficiency and waste reduction have been priorities in the design of Nelson City New World, Mr Anderson said.

Measures include:
 The introduction of CO2 refrigeration systems, which are more energy efficient and better for the environment.
 To reduce heating costs, heat generated in the refrigeration and plant rooms is captured and used to heat most of the hot water. Heat recovered from the refrigeration plant is also used in the heating and ventilation systems.
 The use of intelligent lighting systems - modern electronic systems with sensors to reduce energy wastage. Foodstuffs has also optimised natural light within the supermarket building through sky lighting and additional glazing. This is not only energy efficient, it creates a positive working environment.
 The installation of a ‘rainwater harvest’ system on the roof of the supermarket building provides water for the irrigation of on-site landscaping.

The new store’s vastly bigger size allows a greater variety of items to be stocked and its up-to-the-minute design will make navigating the aisles much easier. The new site means that the parking is free – a welcome change from the metered spaces used at the old central city site.

The store was designed to take advantage of new technology with self check-out facilities. Shoppers will have the choice of scanning, packing and paying for their own purchases, or using traditional check-out services.

Owner/operator Greg Guy said that the intention is to ensure that everyday shopping can be accomplished in as pleasant an environment as possible. To this end, particular attention has been paid to natural lighting and sensible product layout. A first for the New World group is the addition of an espresso coffee station, so customers can do their shopping while enjoying a great quality coffee.

As well as a comprehensive array of grocery items, the wine area will stock over 100 wines from the Nelson/Marlborough district in addition to wines from throughout Australasia. Some local wineries will have representatives in-store during the first week offering free tastings from their range.

“As Nelson’s population has grown, there has been an increasing demand for a supermarket that is more sophisticated and comprehensive,” Mr Guy said.

“Although we will be trading from a much improved location, we will still be offering the same level of top service that New World prides itself on.”

ENDS

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