Belgian fashion chain e5 is an established company, but certainly not one that stands still. While the retail sector is facing major challenges, e5 is growing solidly. Since its takeover by the new family owners in 2021, a fresh wind has been blowing through the company. Part of this massive transformation? A smart, sustainable approach to energy management in partnership with PowerBee.
Modernizing a retail organization goes beyond just the collections on the shelves. The infrastructure, buildings and operating costs must also be future-proof. The management of e5 was therefore looking for a partner who not only advises, but turns energy management into a success story. They found that partner in PowerBee.
The challenge: From burden to strength
The goal of the collaboration was clear: how do we transform energy consumption from a necessary cost (a burden) to a competitive advantage?
To achieve this, PowerBee started with an in-depth energy scan of its headquarters in Sint-Niklaas. This scan constituted the baseline measurement and immediately revealed the untapped potential. Where e5 itself had not yet detected certain savings or optimizations, PowerBee came up with out-of-the-box solutions and expertise.
The solution: insight and optimization
Currently, PowerBee is rolling out an advanced monitoring system for local energy production at e5. By continuously measuring and controlling, we are working to optimize the Total Cost of Energy.
PowerBee’s added value is in the combination of partial solutions:
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Custom expertise: We proactively reach out for additional savings that are often overlooked in the day-to-day hustle and bustle.
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Complete relief: PowerBee completely takes over communication with grid operators and local parties.
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Focus on core business: As PowerBee streamlines energy management, e5 management can focus on what they do best: fashion and retail.
Watch the transformation
Wondering what this collaboration looks like in practice? In the video below, we take you through the story of e5 and their path to sustainable energy management.
The future: rollout to stores
The optimization of the headquarters is only the beginning. The ambition is to eventually also scrutinize the energy management of the physical stores and roll out the same cost-effective solutions widely. Thus e5, together with PowerBee, is building brick by brick on a sustainable and profitable future.