1. Sustainable Retail Design Through Material Choices:
Actively seek out eco-friendly alternatives to conventional materials, such as recycled materials, responsibly sourced wood and energy-efficient options. By integrating these materials into the store’s design, they reduce the environmental impact while often also creating a unique and visually appealing customer experience. These choices not only reduce the store’s carbon footprint but also resonate with environmentally conscious consumers, enhancing the retailer’s brand image.
An example of this is a recent store design we completed for Kavanagh’s, where we prioritised high-quality materials. Some were quality materials designed to last and have a neutral carbon accreditation, for example, the Denton countertops. Others were sustainable materials made from recycled materials.
2. Customer Behaviour and Awareness:
As retail design specialists, we recognise the profound impact store design has on customer behaviour. Through thoughtful design, awareness of sustainability can be raised. Creating sustainable areas, with bulk food items or eco-friendly products can encourage responsible consumerism and change consumer patterns. In Kavanagh’s store design, in-store communication highlights the store’s values and the retailer’s commitment to sustainability.
3. Collaborating with Industry Experts:
Rigney Forge is made up of a small and flexible team of designers, who understand the significance of collaboration with other industry experts to achieve the best solutions possible. Opening up the store design conversation to various partners, such as lighting suppliers, signage manufacturers, and equipment suppliers, ensures that every aspect of the store aligns with the sustainability goals.
Lighting, refrigeration, heating & cooling within supermarkets typically accounts for over 65% of a supermarket’s total energy consumption. By working with equipment suppliers, developing LED ‘lighting and control’ design solutions and ensuring systems were the most efficient available for the Kavanagh’s store design, we achieved the best-in-class energy efficiencies.
For sustainable retail design, that will appeal to conscious consumers, considered choices in materials, creating spaces that encourage responsible consumer behaviour, and collaborating with industry experts to implement the best possible solutions are key.
Reach out to us to explore how our expertise can lead your store towards a greener future.
