A collaboration between Køge Kommune (Køge Municipality), Køge Trade Association and Energy Service Denmark offers stores in Køge to participate in a simple environmental management system: Green Store.
Project
Green Store helps each the individual business to save energy and reduce negative environmental impact. In addition, the stores participate in the Green Store network with annual thematic campaigns and other activities.
Green Store is a nationwide concept managed by Energitjenesten (Energy Service Denmark).
In Køge Kommune, 25 stores participate, managed by Energitjenesten Sjælland (Energy Service Zealand).
Process
In Køge, a Green Store steering committee including the local Trade Association has been established. The main task of the steering committee is to provide a strategy for recruitment of stores, campaigns and budget.
When a store signs up for the scheme, a consultant will review energy use and environmental impact of the store. The store will select three points of action recommended by the the consultant. Action points are annually assessed by the consultant and renewed.
Once a year a specific campaign is implemented. The campaign involves both staff and customers. In 2008, the campaign theme was waste. Staff end costumers were informed about waste and durable reusable shopping bags were distributed to customers. Each bag will save the environment 13 kg CO2, because they can replace approximately 100 disposable plastic bags.
In 2009, the campaign theme will be climate change, and twice a year subscribing stores are invited to thematic meetings.
Status
There are currently 25 Green Stores in Køge and new stores keep joining. Nationally, there are Green Stores in 13 cities. Following the success with Green Stores, other projects are emerging: i.e. Green Hairdresser, Green Church, Green Office, Green Housing and Green Day-care.
Results
Experience shows that a Green Store saves an average of 3,000-4,000 kWh the first year. In addition, the stores will increase focus on improved waste collection and environmentally friendly cleaning.
Financing
Subscribers to Green Store pay DKK 7,000 the first year and DKK 2,500 for subsequent years. Often the subscription will be subsidised by municipalities, trade associations and utilities.
In addition to the environmental gains, the store gets marketing through Green Store.
Contact
Det Grønne Hus
Vestergade 3C
DK-4600 Køge
Tel. +45 56 67 60 70
Ms. Anna Thormann, energy services
E-mail anna@detgroennehus.dk
Mr. Anders Kildegaard Knudsen, energy services
E-mail anders@detgroennehus.dk