Tech Innovator s2e Helps Longos Create Canada’s First “Sustainable Supermarket”

Oct 9, 2018 | Development, Net-Zero Energy, Sustainable Real Estate

Vaughan, ON CANADA – Canadian grocery retailer Longo’s and tech innovator s2e today announced completion of Canada’s first “sustainable supermarket” at a Grand Ceremony in Stouffville. The Longo’s project – supported by Natural Resources Canada’s Energy Innovation Program – is the result of a collaboration between Longo’s, s2e Technologies and Neelands Group, with support from FCML, SNC Lavalin, Studio Intersekt and Hammerschlag & Joffe. The building design sets a new standard for resiliency, sustainability and risk management, according to Ady Vyas, VP of Energy Solutions for s2e Technologies.

The 40000 sq. ft. Stouffville store will use 35% less energy than other supermarkets and produce 65% of its own energy through the use of renewable technologies. The building is expected to reduce between 1500-2000 metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) per year.

“Longo’s is committed to the communities in which we operate and we’re committed to doing our part for the planet. I think that our customers expect that,” says Anthony Longo, President and CEO of Longo Brothers Fruit Markets. “We have a longstanding commitment to supporting energy reduction initiatives. So when we started to think about this new location, we decided to partner with s2e to create a different kind of building. We wanted to explore how we could actually create a sustainable supermarket, and learned that s2e could actually help make that happen. They are changing the way we look at building design.”

“Supermarkets are one of the more energy-intensive retail businesses, due to their large cooling and heating loads,” says Vyas. “Canada’s northern climate makes reducing energy use and therefore GHG emissions in supermarkets even more challenging. The key to the Stouffville project is the integration created by s2e’s energy microgrid. Longo’s were committed to demonstrating their values in this building design. They’re really showing the huge supermarket sector what can be achieved with this kind of collaboration.”

The Stouffville store will achieve its GHG reduction goals through the integration of efficiency improvements, renewable systems and technologies and other sustainable options including:

• CO2 refrigeration with heat reclaim
• Efficient building envelope
• LED lighting
• Higher efficiency entry vestibule
• Heat recovery in cases
• Higher efficiency glazing
• Rooftop PV
• Facade PV
• Parking canopy PV
• CCHP System with absorption chiller integrated with the CO2 system
• EV charging

“Longo’s has been supporting energy reduction initiatives for years, says Dave Mastroieni, Vice President Central Procurement & Facility Management, Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc. Reducing our environmental impact is just one way we are committed to serving our communities. Our newest location in Stouffville will reduce between 1,500–2,000 metric tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions per year, which is equivalent to taking 274-366 cars off the road annually.”

“Longo’s continue to be market leaders in new innovative technologies, and Neelands Group is proud to collaborate in this leadership role,” says Noel Neelands, President of Neelands Group Limited. “This store in Stouffville has set the target for net-zero solutions with a suite of power-saving technologies and renewable energy that will make Longo’s a sustainable energy leader in Canada. Building supermarkets that are financially viable and environmentally responsible ensure that the net zero store will be the standard for future generations.”

Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for Markham-Stouffville, was on hand for today’s announcement, and observed that Canadians have expressed their own commitment to a low-carbon future through the Generation Energy project.

About Longo’s
Tommy, Joe and Gus Longo opened the first Longo’s store in 1956. Longo’s is owned and operated by the second and now third generation of family members and today boasts 33 stores including 5 small format “The Market” by Longo’s, and Grocery Gateway, the leader in online sales of home delivered groceries. Inspired by the first generation and their commitment to high family standards, the Longo’s team of food experts are dedicated to exceeding customer expectations by offering the best food experience to every customer, every time by providing authentic value, genuine hospitality, uncompromising quality, inspiration and guidance and community care.

About s2e
s2e is committed to changing the way buildings are designed – by providing immediately available, cost-effective solutions that make a real difference in fighting climate change and provide a better future for us all. Leveraging innovation, technology and a network of passionate people and partners, our sustainable solutions in renewable energy systems and smart net zero energy communities create lasting benefit for the economy and the environment. Visit us on the web at www.s2etech.com, connect with us on LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter.

About Neelands Group Limited
Since 1958 Neelands has provided refrigeration design, engineering, installation and services to some of the largest commercial refrigeration retail businesses in North America. Neelands has always been a leader in innovative technology, focusing most recently on solutions that reduce green house gas emissions and overall energy costs. Advanced control software and technology and a team of experienced technicians identify potential energy saving opportunities through equipment retrofits, re-commissioning, equipment design and  other operational practices. Through the use of environmentally friendly CO2 refrigeration systems, energy optimization software and new refrigeration technologies, Neelands has shown that sustainable solutions can be both cost effective and responsible. Find out more at www.neelands.com.