Lidl is busy building a new distribution centre in Waddinxveen. The supermarket discounter this week gave a sneak preview in the new building, which is to become the most sustainable distribution centre in the Netherlands and will supply some eighty to one hundred Lidl stores in the Randstad.
The building covers 52,000 square metres and should be operational in November. DuurzaamBedrijfsleven took an advance look at the building and was told that Lidl's design owes the five-star Outstanding Breeam certificate to, among other things, the use of solar energy. It saves 315 tonnes of CO2 emissions by installing four thousand solar panels on the roof. These can supply energy to 150 households. Solar panels will also be installed in the car park. Charging stations should also encourage staff and visitors to use sustainable transport, such as electric bicycles and cars.
Heat-cold storage
Lidl also distinguishes itself with the heat and cold storage (WKO) in the distribution centre. The WKO is located 180 metres deep in the ground. In summer, heat is stored there and used to heat the building in winter. In winter, it stores cold air, which is used to cool the building in summer. The new DC also collects rainwater. Toilets are flushed with it after filtering. The excess water goes to growers in the neighbourhood for irrigation of the greenhouses.
Daylight and LED lighting
LED lighting in the building should also contribute to efficient energy. This lighting only switches on when there is movement in the distribution centre and when there is insufficient daylight. Installing the LED lighting also requires an investment, but Lidl expects to recoup these costs within three years. Lidl tells DuurzaamBedrijfsleven that it is also committed to creating as pleasant a working climate as possible. The 250 employees will benefit from good air quality and acoustics. The office has open work gardens, interspersed with meeting rooms and concentration areas. Here, too, optimum use would be made of the available daylight.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
