Iconic Department Store Reducing CO₂ Emissions

The renowned Dutch department store chain has chosen a Green HVAC system.

De Bijenkorf, which translates into ‘the beehive’, is a chain of luxury department stores in the Netherlands, which offer clothing, cosmetics, shoes, accessories, books, toys, and homeware. Its flagship store is in Amsterdam located in the central Dam Square. Founded in 1870 as a haberdashery shop, over time the business expanded with a second store opening in The Hague in 1926, and the third in Rotterdam in 1930. Currently de Bijenkorf has a webshop for the Netherlands and Belgium, and 7 stores through the Netherlands, but the three original stores are the largest with retail space from 15,000 and 22,000 m².

The mission of de Bijenkorf is to be the most inspiring, surprising, and creative department store in the Netherlands, where everyone is special. All the while maintaining a level of sustainability that encompasses all aspects of the business. In fact, de Bijenkorf’s sustainability policy focuses on the product, the environment, human beings, and driving positive change. Even though they already use 100% green electricity generated by wind and active energy management surveys are carried out monthly, their goal is to further reduce CO2 emissions by 30% by 2025.

Therefore, when it came time to replace the air conditioning systems in their Amsterdam and Rotterdam stores, the M&E consultant recommended Climaveneta branded air-cooled chillers with 4th generation HFO eco-friendly refrigerants. Specifically, two FOCS2W HFO/H/CA chillers were installed in the Rotterdam store, while a FX HFO SL-A chiller was installed in the Amsterdam store. The refrigerant HFO 1234ze selected ensures GWP levels near 0 (compared to GWP values of 1430 for R134a gas) and no toxicity, while continuing to guarantee high energy performance levels.