Designing a near zero energy supermarket - Minimising energy use and ensuring the supply of renewable energy.

This paper describes the principles for retrofit design of Near Zero Energy supermarkets, i.e. to minimize the energy use and ensure that the remaining energy needs are met by a supply of renewable energy. Pressure for energy improvement of buildings has increased steadily over the last couple of decades. Several different aspects must be considered in the design of a supermarket - some of which are described in this paper – such as requirements, refrigerated appliances, lighting and other equipment, building technical services systems, building envelope, energy supply, energy storage, life cycle costs and consideration of the needs of those using the building. For a supermarket, special attention must be given to the food, personnel and customers, three categories with differing environmental requirements. Different designs for retrofit energy efficiency improvement installations are compared and suggested for two existing stores: one in a free-standing building, and one in a larger property.