Giordano employs sustainable solutions for greener future

Committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations, Giordano will be adopting energy efficient lighting solutions in all their new stores.

Giordano has always integrated conservation methods in their dad to day operations, from the use of environment-friendly and recyclable shopping bags at shop level, to encouraging employees to recycle paper and reduce wastage in their office processes. Giordano is also an active corporate member of the Emirates Environmental Group, and will take part in several activities and initiatives during the course of 2009.

"Customers have become increasing environmentally conscious and no longer only look at what an organization does for them as individuals but the effect it has on the world. We support this outlook in every aspect of our operations and believe that every little effort helps," said Ishwar Chugani, Executive Director of Giordano Fashions L.L.C. "Our latest initiative is to use only energy saving lighting in all our stores and expect the transformation to be completed globally by 2011. We have already implemented this in our new store in Dubai Mall," he added.

Giordano first implemented this initiative with a study that began at the end of 2007. Four stores in Hong Kong were selected for the pilot program. The conversion was completed by March 2008 and the initial results proved successful. The results showed that stores experienced energy savings of over 50 per cent from more efficient lighting, as well as reduced air conditioning usage, while still maintaining suitable illumination and the desired store ambience. Giordano went on to evaluate the performance of these pilot stores and made necessary adjustments before rolling out the program globally.

"The program has both environmental and economical benefits as reflected by lower carbon emissions and increased cost savings. Our goal is not only to create a world without strangers but to also protect the planet for the future,"

commented Chugani.

The cost of installation for the 'energy saving light bulbs system' in Hong Kong has proven to be much lower than the conventional designs. Giordano has teamed up with ERCO, specialist retail light fitting company from Germany, who will provide sustainable solutions and green designs through efficient visual comfort for all the outlets in the Middle East. The partnership that started in 2000 has made ERCO a key part of Giordano's energy saving initiative.

Through effective lighting technology, thermal management and qualitative lighting design, Giordano and ERCO, have been able to accomplish energy efficiency. ERCO's efficient, precise optical systems lower the energy requirement for lighting, while effectively controlling excess heat that regular artificial lighting would generate. At the same time, careful perception oriented lighting designs, use light specifically where it is required to accentuate store displays.

The results exhibited substantial differences in energy consumption, CO2 emissions and operational costs such as installation, maintenance and electricity bills. Most importantly, ERCO was able to carry out the conversion without compromising the lighting concept present in all Giordano stores.

Giordano will soon be implementing the initiative in this region beginning with their shops in the UAE.