The commitment to contribute to Chile's efforts to achieve the goal of reducing energy consumption by 10% by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050 was the motivation for SMU, the parent company of Unimarc, Alvi, Mayorista 10, and Super 10, to implement energy management and savings measures. Proof of this commitment is the acquisition of the Energy Excellence Seal in the "gold" category from the Ministry of Energy and the Energy Sustainability Agency.

The Seal is a recognition of companies that demonstrate a high commitment to energy management, reducing consumption and emissions, incorporating energy efficiency measures, renewable energy supply, and electromobility. "We receive this seal with deep satisfaction. We are convinced that management must be accompanied by sustainable policies to ensure short, medium, and long-term results," says Paula Coronel, Corporate Manager of People and Sustainability at SMU.

The company applied for the seal by presenting the measures implemented at the Lo Aguirre Distribution Center in Pudahuel: an ambitious replacement of the lighting system was implemented with the installation of 2,668 devices, including automatic shutdown sensors and LED technology in the reception, dispatch, and hallway sections. The replacement of luminaires represented an investment of $172 million and allowed us to impact 35% of the total consumption of the distribution center.

On the other hand, $129 million were invested to improve the refrigeration system at Lo Aguirre, which included the replacement of piping, valves, controllers, and insulation in the refrigeration lines. These measures allowed affecting 38% of the total consumption of the center, by reducing thermal losses in the refrigeration system, improving cold quality, and strengthening the demand for the general food refrigeration system.

Sustainable measures are not limited only to the Lo Aguirre center. 20% of SMU's electricity supply comes from renewable energy sources, and it is expected to reach 40% by 2025. "We have taken significant steps in increasing energy performance, and this seal demonstrates it. Improvements must be continuous, and we continue to work to achieve the company's goals. Another example of this is the expansion of the Energy Management System's scope, achieving certification under ISO 50,001 standards, which already covers 382 facilities nationwide and with which we hope to enhance progress towards our energy efficiency objectives," highlighted Rafael Pardo, SMU's Operational Excellence Manager.